Miami, FL – Soccer icon Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF have reached an agreement to extend the Argentine superstar’s contract, ensuring his stay in Major League Soccer (MLS) beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a source close to the club. The multi-year deal, expected to be finalized soon and pending MLS approval, could see the 38-year-old legend retire with the club he joined in July 2023.
The extension, reported by outlets like ESPN and France24, secures Messi’s presence through at least 2027, aligning with Inter Miami’s ambitions to cement their global footprint as they prepare to open their new 25,000-seat Miami Freedom Park stadium in 2026. Co-owner Jorge Mas has long expressed his dream of Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, inaugurating the venue as the team’s captain. “I am optimistic because we have done everything possible for Leo to feel at home,” Mas told ESPN, emphasizing the club’s commitment to keeping the World Cup champion in South Florida.
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has transformed the franchise, leading them to the 2023 Leagues Cup title and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield while setting a league record for most points in a single season. His 2025 stats include 28 goals and 14 assists in 36 games across all competitions, making him the club’s all-time leading scorer with 62 goals. Despite recent setbacks, including a 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 Club World Cup and a Leagues Cup final defeat, Messi’s impact on and off the field remains undeniable. The club’s revenue has soared from $50-$60 million in 2022 to a projected $300 million in 2025, per ESPN, largely due to his global draw.
The deal also positions Messi to potentially play in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, though he has not confirmed his participation. “I go day by day, match by match,” Messi said after Argentina’s recent World Cup qualifier, hinting at his focus on fitness and form leading into the tournament. The extension includes a clause for Messi to join Inter Miami’s ownership group upon retirement, a nod to his initial 2023 contract valued at $130-$150 million, which included equity in the club.
While speculation about moves to Saudi Arabia or a return to Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys has surfaced, both Messi and Inter Miami have prioritized continuing their partnership. The agreement not only secures Messi’s legacy in MLS but also boosts the league’s visibility ahead of the 2026 World Cup. An official announcement is expected within the next two weeks.
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