NEW YORK: Football superstar Lionel Messi has officially extended his contract with Inter Miami CF, committing to the Major League Soccer (MLS) club until 2028, the franchise announced on Thursday.
The MLS confirmed the development on its Spanish-language account on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Official: Leo Messi will continue to be an MLS player with Inter Miami.”
Messi’s previous deal was set to expire at the end of the 2025 MLS season, but the renewal ensures that the World Cup-winning Argentine will remain with the Miami-based team for at least three more years.
Messi to Stay Beyond the 2026 World Cup
The new contract means the 38-year-old will stay active through and beyond the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to an AFP report, the extension had been expected, with sources confirming last month that both Messi and Inter Miami had reached an agreement in principle.
The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11, with the final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — keeping Messi firmly in the American football spotlight.
Record Season for Messi in MLS
Messi has been in exceptional form this season, topping the MLS scoring charts with 29 goals and leading Inter Miami to a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will next lead his side into the MLS Cup Playoffs, beginning Friday against Nashville SC.
No Retirement Plans Yet
Although Messi has expressed a desire to end his playing career at Inter Miami, he has yet to confirm any retirement timeline.
He recently remarked that “age won’t be the deciding factor” in determining when he stops playing, signaling that he remains motivated and in peak competitive shape.
Impact on U.S. Soccer and MLS Growth
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has dramatically elevated the club’s profile, driving record ticket sales, global TV viewership, and unprecedented fan engagement across the United States.
With this extension, Messi is expected to remain the cornerstone of MLS growth and a global ambassador for American soccer well into the second half of the decade.
