Football icon Lionel Messi has signed a new contract with Inter Miami that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, solidifying his long-term commitment to the American side.
The club announced the contract extension on Thursday through a video shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. The footage showed Messi signing the new deal inside the still-under-construction Miami Freedom Park Stadium, accompanied by the caption: “He’s Home.”
In a statement released by the club, the Argentine captain expressed his joy at extending his stay in the United States, describing his time with Inter Miami as both fulfilling and inspiring.
“It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality — playing in this stadium at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi said.
“Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.”
Inter Miami co-owner and football legend David Beckham praised Messi’s decision to renew his contract, calling it a powerful statement of loyalty and passion.
“He’s still as committed as he’s ever been, and he still wants to win,” Beckham said. “We’re very lucky to have a player who continues to inspire young footballers across the United States. His commitment to the city, the club, and the game is extraordinary.”
Messi’s initial contract was due to expire at the end of the 2025 MLS season. However, sources close to the club had previously hinted that talks over an extension had been smooth and that a renewal was only a matter of time.
The new deal ensures Messi will continue playing beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — which begins on June 11 and concludes on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023 following a turbulent spell at Paris Saint-Germain, has played a transformative role both on and off the pitch. His arrival ignited unprecedented interest in MLS, boosting ticket sales, global viewership, and the club’s commercial success.
Despite Inter Miami’s early exit from the 2024 playoffs, Messi was named Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the season — an accolade that underscored his continued dominance and influence in world football.
With his future now secured until 2028, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to lead Inter Miami into its next chapter — one that includes the opening of the state-of-the-art Miami Freedom Park stadium and the club’s ambition to compete for continental titles.
