Lionel Messi extends Inter Miami contract through 2028

Lionel Messi has signed a contract extension to extend his stay at Inter Miami through the end of the 2028 MLS season, the team announced Thursday.

Messi, 38, originally joined Miami in July 2023 as a designated player with a 2 1/2-year contract, breaking league precedent and team records with his contract.

The club announced the new deal with a video of Messi signing the contract on what will become the pitch for Miami’s long-awaited new stadium, Miami Freedom Park.

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“It makes me really happy to stay here and continue this project which, in addition to being a dream, has become a beautiful reality: playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi said in a statement.

“Since arriving in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m really happy to continue here. We’re all very excited about 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 too. It will be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium.”

Club co-owner Jorge Mas previously expressed his desire to see Messi inaugurate Miami Freedom Park in 2026, when the team moves from its current Fort Lauderdale location to the new Miami Stadium. Inter Miami will play the final matches of the 2025 campaign at Chase Stadium before kicking off the 2026 season at Miami Freedom Park.

“We promised our fans that we would dream big to build an iconic club,” Mas said. “A club that represents the passion, hard work and dedication of all those who came before us to create a Miami built on dreams.

“Signing Leo through 2028 is an ode to our incredible city. We look forward to writing new chapters at our Miami Freedom Park stadium. 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 continued to set new standards on and off the pitch as he led Miami to trophies and attendance records across the country.

“Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and this city, and that’s exactly what we did,” said David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami.

“We brought the best player of all time to our city. It 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 ever and he still wants to win. As owners, to have a player who loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very fortunate.”

The Argentina captain and World Cup winner first led the team to the inaugural trophy in the 2023 Leagues Cup, before inspiring Miami to the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and the league record for most points in a single season.

Individually, Messi won the 2024 MLS MVP award and most recently the 2025 Golden Boot after scoring 29 goals in just 28 games.

Messi was also nominated for the 2025 MLS MVP award and is the favorite to become the first player to win the award on two consecutive occasions.

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Beckham: Messi ‘is the experience’ at Inter Miami

Inter Miami co-owners David Beckham and Jorge Mas share their joy that Lionel Messi is extending his contract with the club.

The club has seen a massive increase in global popularity with Messi on the roster. His pink No. 10 jersey has been the best-selling jersey in MLS since he joined the league, and he’s bolstered his massive off-field business empire since arriving in the United States – even starring in a Super Bowl commercial last year.

Inter Miami’s valuation has more than doubled since Messi’s arrival, reaching $1.19 billion in January 2025.

The league has also prospered, with ticket revenue reaching an all-time high in 2025. Five clubs broke their attendance records in matches featuring Messi and Miami.

“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,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “Since then, we have witnessed something truly historic: the greatest player of all time brought the world’s attention to our league.

“We are delighted that Leo has chosen to stay and continue his career at Inter Miami.”

Messi will continue to play at Inter Miami without his longtime teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who previously announced their retirement from football at the end of the 2025 MLS season.

Busquets and Alba will face Inter Miami in the MLS playoffs, hoping to win one last trophy as players.

Luis Suárez could also play his final games with the club, with his contract expiring at the end of the 2025 campaign. Although Suárez is yet to announce an extension with the club, Mas previously insisted the door remains open for him at Inter Miami should the Uruguayan choose to stay for another season.

Inter Miami and Messi will now prepare for the first game of the first round playoff series against Nashville SC on Friday at Chase Stadium as the club attempts to win the 2025 MLS Cup.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.