Messi Commits to Inter Miami Until 2028

Football legend Lionel Messi has officially signed a new contract extension with Inter Miami, securing his place in Major League Soccer (MLS) until the end of the 2028 season, the club announced on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

In a short but emotional video shared on Inter Miami’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Argentine superstar was seen signing the new deal inside the under-construction Miami Freedom Park stadium, which will serve as the club’s new home ground. The caption simply read: “He’s Home.”

The new contract extends Messi’s initial agreement by three years, ensuring his continued presence in the MLS well into his 40s — and beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

“Miami Feels Like Home,” Says Messi

Reacting to his contract extension, the 38-year-old World Cup winner expressed gratitude and excitement about continuing his journey in Miami.

“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 in the club’s official statement.

“Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.”

The Argentine forward, who joined Inter Miami in 2023 after a challenging stint with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has been pivotal in transforming the club into one of the most followed teams in MLS history.

Beckham Praises Messi’s Loyalty and Legacy

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham lauded Messi’s decision to stay, describing it as a powerful symbol of commitment to both the club and the sport in the United States.

“He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win,” Beckham said.
“As owners, to have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very lucky.”

Beckham, who himself played a key role in the global growth of MLS after joining LA Galaxy in 2007, added that Messi’s influence has been “transformational” for the league’s popularity and the city of Miami.

Messi’s Journey: From Barcelona to Miami Stardom

Before joining Inter Miami, Messi spent nearly 20 years at FC Barcelona, where he established himself as one of the greatest players in football history — winning 10 La Liga titles, 4 UEFA Champions League trophies, and 6 Ballon d’Ors during his time at Camp Nou.

After departing Barcelona due to financial restrictions in 2021, Messi joined PSG, where he added two Ligue 1 titles to his collection before moving to the MLS in 2023.

Since arriving in Miami, Messi has brought global attention to the league, with record-breaking match attendance, skyrocketing jersey sales, and increased broadcasting rights for MLS matches around the world.

Historic Achievements in the MLS

Messi’s impact on the field has been equally impressive. In 2024, he was named the Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player (MVP) despite Inter Miami’s early playoff exit.

In the 2025 season, he reached another milestone, becoming the fastest player in MLS history to score 40 goals. He also finished as the league’s top scorer with 29 goals in 28 matches, winning the MLS Golden Boot.

This year, Messi led Miami to a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference, sealing the regular season with a hat-trick in a thrilling 5–2 win over Nashville SC.

A Contract Beyond Football

Messi’s new deal extends his influence far beyond the pitch. The agreement is reportedly tied to Miami Freedom Park’s launch, a world-class stadium and community complex set to open in 2026, expected to become a landmark for American soccer.

With this extension, Messi’s presence will continue to boost MLS global visibility, attract top international talents, and further strengthen soccer’s popularity in the United States — just as the country prepares to host the World Cup 2026.

Aiming for More World Cup History

At 38, Messi continues to defy expectations. With 114 international goals for Argentina, he remains one of the most prolific scorers in world football. He led Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022, Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and recently topped the South American qualifiers with eight goals.

The new contract also keeps the door open for a potential sixth World Cup appearance — a historic feat that could see him surpass Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16 World Cup goals.

Messi’s Legacy Continues

Messi’s renewed commitment to Inter Miami reaffirms his love for the game and his determination to keep inspiring the next generation of players across the globe.

From Rosario to Barcelona, from Paris to Miami, his journey continues to redefine what longevity and passion mean in football.

As the Inter Miami video perfectly put it:

“He’s Home.”