Inter Miami Secures Lionel Messi Through 2028: Star Signs New Deal Ahead of Playoff Opener
Miami, Florida: Lionel Messi has finalized a long-awaited new contract with Inter Miami, committing his future to the Major League Soccer (MLS) club through 2028. The three-year extension was announced by the club on Thursday, just one day before Inter Miami’s playoff opener against Nashville SC.
The announcement was made via a social media post showing the global icon signing the contract inside the team’s new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, which remains under construction. The club heralded the news simply with: “HE’S HOME.”
“It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality,” Messi said in a statement distributed by the club. “Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.”
The deal is a massive boost for Inter Miami and MLS as a whole, assuring the presence of the sport’s biggest star for the team’s planned move into its new home next year and beyond.
HE’S HOME. pic.twitter.com/AUMJJYR5pF
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 23, 2025
MVP and Record-Breaking Performance
Despite being 38 years old, Messi remains the league’s dominant force. He is the overwhelming favorite to win the MLS MVP award for the second consecutive year, which would make him the first player in league history to achieve the feat back-to-back.
This season, Messi won the MLS Golden Boot after scoring a league-leading 29 goals, along with 19 assists. His total of 48 goal contributions was just one shy of matching Carlos Vela’s all-time MLS record. He also set a new league record this season by scoring multiple goals in five consecutive games and recording 10 total multi-goal games.
“Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city,” said Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas. “We promised our fans that we would dream big to build an iconic club… We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city.”
World Cup Ambitions and Teammate Departures
This contract is likely Messi’s last as a professional. While his future beyond 2026 remains unclear, the deal ensures he will be playing when Argentina defends its World Cup title in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada in June and July of that year.
The extension comes as the team prepares for significant roster changes. Longtime Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are retiring after this season, and Luis Suarez’s future also remains uncertain. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano emphasized Messi’s value: “He’s very, very competitive and he tries to translate that to the team… With him, when we do things the right way, we’ll have many chances to have success.”
Messi’s presence has already revolutionized the club, bringing them their first trophy (the 2023 Leagues Cup) and spurring a massive rise in global popularity and jersey sales.
