Messi to Remain in Miami: Superstar Agrees to Multi-Year Contract Extension
MIAMI, FL – In a significant development for Major League Soccer and the sport in North America, Lionel Messi has reached an agreement with Inter Miami to extend his contract, ensuring the iconic Argentine superstar will continue playing in MLS beyond the 2026 World Cup. The deal, which is expected to be officially announced within the next two weeks, would see the 38-year-old Messi remain a cornerstone of Inter Miami and the league for at least the next two seasons.
This agreement quells speculation surrounding the future of one of football’s greatest players and strongly suggests that Messi will conclude his illustrious professional career in the United States. His current contract was set to expire at the end of the 2025 MLS season, making this extension a crucial piece of news for the club and the league.
A Deal Years in the Making
Negotiations for a new contract have been ongoing for months, with both Messi and Inter Miami keen to secure his future. The extension is structured as a multi-year deal, signaling a long-term commitment rather than a short-term extension through the 2026 tournament alone. Sources close to the matter confirmed the agreement, with final details reportedly being reviewed before a formal announcement.
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has consistently expressed his desire to keep Messi with the club, envisioning him inaugurating the team’s new stadium, slated to open in March 2026. Messi’s continued presence is seen as vital for the club’s ambitions and its global appeal.
Messi’s Transformative Impact on Miami and MLS
Since his arrival in July 2023, Lionel Messi has had an undeniable and transformative impact on Inter Miami and Major League Soccer. His presence has not only elevated the team’s performance and profile but has also dramatically increased the league’s international standing and fan engagement.
In his first full season in 2024, Messi was named the MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP), a testament to his immediate influence despite the team’s early playoff exit. He continued his exceptional form into the 2025 season, becoming the fastest player in MLS history to reach 40 goals. This season, he has already netted 20 goals and provided 11 assists in 21 appearances. Overall, Messi has amassed an impressive 62 goals and 29 assists in 75 appearances across all competitions for Inter Miami.
Under his leadership, Inter Miami secured their first major trophies, winning the inaugural Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield for the best regular-season record in 2024. His arrival has drawn record crowds, global media attention, and has significantly boosted ticket and merchandise sales for the club and the league.
A Bridge to the 2026 World Cup and Beyond
The timing of this contract extension is particularly significant given the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Messi has openly expressed his desire to represent Argentina in what could be his final World Cup appearance, and playing in MLS will keep him in peak competitive condition leading up to the tournament.
His continued presence in the league through 2026 also provides a major narrative thread for the lead-up to the World Cup on home soil, offering a unique storyline for fans and media. Furthermore, it solidifies his legacy as a player who not only graced MLS with his unparalleled talent but also helped propel its growth and appeal on a global scale.
Securing the Future of Soccer in America
For Major League Soccer, Messi’s decision to extend his stay is a massive boost. It ensures that the league remains at the forefront of global soccer news during a critical period, especially as domestic television deals expire after the 2026 season. His continued presence positions MLS favorably for future media rights negotiations and helps maintain the heightened international interest generated by his arrival.
The extension also provides Inter Miami with unparalleled commercial and sporting stability. With the club preparing to open its state-of-the-art new stadium in 2026, having Messi as its star attraction is a key component of their long-term vision and marketing strategy.
As the official announcement looms, the soccer world eagerly anticipates the confirmation of a deal that promises to keep one of the sport’s most legendary figures playing in Miami for the foreseeable future, further cementing his extraordinary legacy in the United States.
