Inter Miami CF has announced that club captain and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has signed a contract extension, committing his future to the Major League Soccer club through the end of the 2028 season. This landmark agreement for Lionel Messi Inter Miami, confirmed on Thursday, October 23, 2025, ensures the Argentine superstar will remain a centerpiece of the team and the league for an additional three years beyond his previous contract, solidifying the Lionel Messi Inter Miami partnership.
A New Era at Miami Freedom Park with Lionel Messi Inter Miami
Messi’s extension is intrinsically linked to the future of Inter Miami, notably the club’s highly anticipated new home, Miami Freedom Park. The state-of-the-art stadium, set to open in phases beginning in 2026, will be the stage for Messi’s continued brilliance. The announcement video itself featured Messi signing his new deal amidst the construction site of Miami Freedom Park, a symbolic gesture highlighting the club’s vision and Messi’s integral role in its unfolding narrative. “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 stated. “Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here. We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park. We can’t wait for it to be finished — to experience it from the inside, in our new home, and for the fans to enjoy it as well. It’s going to be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium.” This commitment from Lionel Messi Inter Miami shows his deep connection to the club and city.
Commitment to the Project and the City
Co-owners David Beckham and Jorge Mas expressed their delight and gratitude for Messi’s decision. Beckham emphasized Messi’s enduring commitment to the club, the city, and the sport, stating, “Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done. We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. 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.” Mas echoed these sentiments, calling Messi’s signing “an ode to our amazing city” and reaffirming the club’s promise to “dream big to build an iconic club.” The continued presence of Lionel Messi Inter Miami is a testament to this shared vision.
Messi’s Transformative Impact on MLS
Since his arrival in the summer of 2023, Messi has had an unparalleled impact on Inter Miami and Major League Soccer. He has not only led the team to significant silverware, including the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, but has also been a catalyst for unprecedented growth in attendance, revenue, and global viewership for the league. His performance in the 2025 season was nothing short of extraordinary, where he clinched the MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi with 29 goals and 19 assists, tallying 48 goal contributions – just one shy of Carlos Vela’s single-season record. This remarkable season likely secured him a consecutive Landon Donovan MLS MVP award. The MLS Messi impact is undeniable. MLS Commissioner Don Garber hailed Messi’s presence as “historic,” remarking, “When Lionel Messi made MLS his League of Choice, it marked a turning point – not just for Inter Miami, but for our entire sport in North America. We’ve witnessed something truly historic: the greatest player of all time bringing global attention to our league.” The Lionel Messi Inter Miami deal continues this legacy.
Continued Peak Performance and Future Aspirations
The Lionel Messi contract extension is expected to be the final professional contract for the 38-year-old Messi, potentially keeping him playing until he is 41 years old. This longevity underscores his dedication and remarkable physical conditioning, with some analyses suggesting his game management, focusing on short bursts of high-intensity effort, has been key to maintaining his elite level. The extension also positions Messi to potentially feature prominently in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as Argentina aims to defend their title. Inter Miami CF 2028 is now a reality.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Miami
The agreement addresses concerns that arose following the retirements of Messi’s long-time Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba earlier in the 2025 season. While his former colleagues move on, Messi’s commitment signals a continued drive for success. The club’s new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, represents a significant investment and a new phase for Inter Miami, with Messi set to be the figurehead for its grand opening. The financial terms of the new deal were not disclosed, but his previous contract made him the league’s highest-paid player by a considerable margin. The Messi new stadium connection is strong.
With Lionel Messi Inter Miami’s future secured through 2028, Inter Miami, and indeed MLS, are poised for continued growth and global recognition. The Argentine superstar soccer player’s enduring impact promises to captivate fans and inspire a new generation of talent in the sport, solidifying his legacy in North American soccer for years to come. This extension is a key development in the current affairs of American soccer, marking a significant moment for the Miami club and the league as a whole. The news is a major piece of current Miami news, generating excitement across the sporting world.
