Messi extends Inter Miami deal until 2028
Lionel Messi’s future at Inter Miami was up in the air, but the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has now extended his contract with the club.
Lionel Messi has signed a new three-year contract with Inter Miami.
The Argentine’s extended deal will see him remain with the MLS club until 2028, which could see him play for the Herons at the age of 41.
Messi joined Miami as a free agent in 2023 following two seasons in Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain, and he has taken MLS by storm.
In only 56 MLS games, Messi has scored 51 goals and provided 39 assists, directly contributing to more goals than any other player in the league since his arrival.
The 38-year-old, who won the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters’ Shield with the Herons, produced 48 direct goal involvements in the 2025 regular season (29 goals, 19 assists) as Miami finished third in the Eastern Conference.
He will next look to lead his team to victory in the MLS Cup playoffs, starting with a first-round clash against Nashville SC.
Messi’s new deal will also see him remain with Miami beyond the 2026 World Cup, after his previous contract was due to expire at the end of this year.
Messi's participation at next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico was previously in question, though the 2022 World Cup winner now looks set to help Argentina defend their crown.
Messi's 13 goals at World Cups are the most of any Argentina player, with seven of those arriving in Qatar three years ago, including two in a famous final victory over France.
Only Germany legend Miroslav Klose (16) and Brazil icon Ronaldo (15) have scored more World Cup goals overall, and should Messi play at next year's competition, he will have an opportunity to take the all-time record.
Argentina cruised to qualification for the tournament, taking 38 points from 18 matches to top the CONMEBOL qualification group by a nine-point margin.
