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, initially joined Miami in July 2023 as a Designated Player on a two-and-a-half year contract, breaking league precedent and team records with his deal.
The club announced the new deal with a video of Messi signing the contract on what will become the field of Miami’s long-awaited new stadium, Miami Freedom Park.
“It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality — playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi said in a statement.
“Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here. We’re all really excited about the moment 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 as well.
It’s going to 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 makes the move from its current venue in Fort Lauderdale to the new stadium in Miami. 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 that came before us to create a Miami built on dreams.
“Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We very much look forward to writing new chapters at our stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Together we will continue building and dreaming.”
Since his MLS debut, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has continued to set new standards on and off the pitch by leading Miami to trophies and attendance records across the country.
“Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done,” said Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.
“We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. That 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 he’s ever been and he still wants to win. As owners, to have a player that 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 lucky.”
The Argentina captain and World Cup winner first led the team to the inaugural 2023 Leagues Cup trophy, before going on to inspire Miami to the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and league record for most points in a single season.
Individually, Messi has won the 2024 MLS MVP award and most recently the 2025 Golden Bootafter recording 29 goals in just 28 games.
Messi also has been nominated for the 2025 MLS MVP award and is favorite to become the first player to clinch the award on two consecutive occasions.
“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’ve witnessed something truly historic: the greatest player of all time bringing global attention to our league.
“We’re thrilled that Leo has chosen to stay and continue his career with Inter Miami.”
Messi will continue to play at Inter Miami without 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 compete with Inter Miami in the MLS playoffs, with the hopes of clinching one final trophy as players.
Luis Suárez may also play his final games with the club as his contract expires at the end of the 2025 campaign. Though he has 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 round one playoff series against Nashville SC on Friday at Chase Stadium as the club attempts to clinch the 2025 MLS Cup.
By ESPN
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