Lionel Messi has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him at Inter Miami until the conclusion of the 2028 MLS season, as announced by the team on Thursday.
At 38 years old, Messi first joined Miami in July 2023 under a groundbreaking 2½-year contract as a Designated Player, making waves in league history and team achievements.
The announcement of the new agreement came with a video showing Messi signing the contract at what will be Miami’s long-awaited new stadium, Miami Freedom Park.
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“I’m very happy to stay here and continue with this project, which has turned from a dream into a beautiful reality — playing at this stadium, Miami Freedom Park,” Messi remarked in a statement.
“Since my arrival in Miami, I’ve been truly happy, and I’m excited to continue here. We’re looking forward to the day we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park. We can’t wait for it to be completed — to experience it from the inside and for our fans to enjoy it too. Playing at home in such a spectacular stadium will be very special.”
Jorge Mas, co-owner of the club, previously expressed his hope that Messi would inaugurate Miami Freedom Park in 2026, when the team moves from its current facility in Fort Lauderdale. Inter Miami will conclude the 2025 season at Chase Stadium before commencing the 2026 season at the new venue.
“We promised our fans that we would dream big to create an iconic club,” Mas stated. “A club that embodies the passion, effort, and dedication of everyone who contributed to building a dream-filled Miami.”
“Leo’s signing through 2028 is a tribute to our extraordinary city. We are eager to write new chapters at Miami Freedom Park. Together, we will continue to build and dream.”
HE’S HOME. pic.twitter.com/AUMJJYR5pF
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 23, 2025
Since his MLS debut, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has consistently set new benchmarks on and off the field, steering Miami towards trophies and record attendance across the nation.
“Our vision was to attract the best players to Inter Miami and to our city, and we’ve accomplished that,” said Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.
“We brought the best player ever to our city, underscoring our commitment to Miami and showing Leo’s dedication to the city, the club, and the sport. He remains as committed as ever and strives to win. As owners, we feel fortunate to have a player who is as passionate about the game as he is, and who inspires the next generation of talent.”
The Argentina captain and World Cup champion first led the team to victory in the inaugural 2023 Leagues Cup, followed by guiding Miami to the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and a league record for most points in a single season.
Individually, Messi claimed the 2024 MLS MVP award and recently won the 2025 Golden Boot after netting 29 goals in just 28 matches.
He has also been nominated for the 2025 MLS MVP award and is the frontrunner to become the first player to win it consecutively.
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Beckham: Messi ‘is the experience’ at Inter Miami
Inter Miami co-owners David Beckham and Jorge Mas express their excitement over Messi’s contract extension.
Since Messi joined the squad, the club’s global popularity has soared. His pink No. 10 jersey has consistently been the top seller in the MLS, and he has expanded his significant off-field business ventures while even featuring in a Super Bowl commercial last year.
Following Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami’s value more than doubled, reaching an estimated $1.19 billion as of January 2025.
The league has also flourished, with ticket revenue hitting a record high in 2025. Five teams set new attendance records during matches featuring Messi and Miami.
“When Lionel Messi chose MLS, it marked a watershed moment — not just for Inter Miami, but for our entire sport in North America,” stated MLS commissioner Don Garber. “Since then, we have witnessed something historic: the greatest player of all time bringing worldwide attention to our league.”
“We are delighted that Leo has chosen to remain and continue his journey with Inter Miami.”
Messi will carry on at Inter Miami without longtime companions Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who have both announced their retirement from professional football at the end of the 2025 MLS season.
Before wrapping up their careers, Busquets and Alba will compete in the MLS playoffs, hoping to secure one final trophy.
Luis Suárez may also be concluding his tenure with the team, as his contract expires at the end of the 2025 season. Although Suárez has not yet confirmed a new deal with the club, Mas has previously stated that the door remains open for the Uruguayan to return for another year.
Inter Miami and Messi will now gear up for their first playoff match against Nashville SC on Friday at Chase Stadium, as they aim for the 2025 MLS Cup.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.