Miami: Lionel Messi has officially extended his commitment to Inter Miami by signing a new contract that will keep him at the Major League Soccer club through 2028. The deal, finalized after several months of negotiation, solidifies the football superstar’s role as the franchise leader, particularly as the new stadium is set to open next year near Miami International Airport.
Inter Miami announced the contract extension on Thursday, one day before the team’s playoff opener against Nashville. In a social media post featuring Messi signing the contract at the under-construction stadium, the club stated, “He’s home.”
The three-year agreement marks a significant development for both Inter Miami and Major League Soccer (MLS) as a whole. Messi, now 38, continues to demonstrate remarkable performance, having just concluded a record-breaking season where he captured the Golden Boot by scoring 29 goals and contributing 19 assists. His total of 48 goal contributions was just one shy of the MLS record held by Carlos Vela. Additionally, Messi made league history by scoring multiple goals in five consecutive matches and achieving 10 multigoal games, both of which are the highest in the league.
“To enjoy him, watching him enjoy doing the things he is doing, he’s very, very competitive and he tries to translate that to the team,” said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano. “The best way to help him is to try to do the right things … he has to be comfortable on the pitch. He’s comfortable when things are working in the right way.”
Messi’s Impact for Miami
Messi’s influence has extended beyond the field. Since joining Inter Miami in July 2023 on an estimated deal worth $150 million, he has elevated the club’s international profile. His arrival also resulted in winning the 2023 Leagues Cup, and his No. 10 jersey continues to be the top seller in MLS.
This new contract is expected to mark Messi’s final chapter as a professional player. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has amassed nearly every significant accolade, including leading Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022. With long-time teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets nearing retirement and Luis Suárez’s future uncertain, Messi is poised to assume the role of Inter Miami’s undisputed leader.
