Lionel Messi has officially committed his long-term future to Inter Miami CF, signing a contract extension that will see him remain with the Major League Soccer (MLS) club through the end of the 2028 season. The new deal, which was announced by the club on Thursday, October 23, 2025, means the Argentine superstar could still be dazzling fans in Major League Soccer at the age of 41, according to the Inter Miami CF official announcement.
Messi, who joined the club as a free agent in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, cited the club’s vision and new home as key factors in his decision. “It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality,” Messi said in a statement released by the club. He added: “Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.”
Since his debut, Messi has had a transformative impact on Inter Miami and the league as a whole. In just his second full season, he once again proved why he’s one of the greatest to ever play the game.
During the 2025 regular season, Messi won the MLS Golden Boot after recording an incredible 29 goals and 19 assists, which resulted in 48 total goal contributions—just one shy of Carlos Vela’s all-time single-season record set in 2019, as reported by MLSSoccer.com. This phenomenal output in just 28 appearances led Miami to a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference, setting the stage for their MLS Cup playoff campaign, which opens against Nashville SC.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham underscored the significance of the extension, telling the club’s media: “Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done… That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo’s commitment to the city, to the club, and to the game. He’s still as committed as he’s ever been, and he still wants to win.”
The contract extension is seen as a massive boost for MLS and ensures Messi will remain part of Inter Miami well beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His continued high-level play raises expectations that he will represent Argentina once again as they attempt to defend their world title.
Messi already holds the Argentine record for most World Cup goals with 13. His renewed commitment will also see him open the club’s new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, which is due to open for the 2026 season. “We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi concluded in his statement. “It’s going to be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium.”
