Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has officially extended his contract with Inter Miami, committing to the Major League Soccer (MLS) club until December 2028. This extension ensures the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will continue to grace North American pitches, dazzling fans at least until he turns 40. Messi’s decision underscores his profound happiness and belief in the club’s ambitious project, which he describes as a “beautiful reality.”

Since his arrival in South Florida in 2023, Messi has been instrumental in transforming Inter Miami’s trajectory. In a heartfelt message shared by the club, he expressed his joy: “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. Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.” This sentiment highlights his personal satisfaction with his time in Miami and his eagerness for the club’s future endeavors.

A significant part of Messi’s excitement revolves around the club’s impending move to their new state-of-the-art home, Miami Freedom Park. “We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi stated. “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.” Miami Freedom Park, centrally located, is set to open in 2026 as a pivotal component of a vast 131-acre entertainment and retail complex, marking a new chapter for the club and for Messi’s career in the U.S.

Messi’s tenure in MLS has been nothing short of spectacular, marked by immediate success both for the club and individually. He led Inter Miami to their first two major trophies: the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield. On a personal front, he has swept the league’s top honors, including the 2023 Leagues Cup Best Player and Top Scorer (with 10 goals in seven games), the 2024 MLS MVP Award, and the 2025 MLS Golden Boot after scoring 29 league goals. Across all competitions, Messi has accumulated an impressive 71 goals and 44 assists in 82 appearances, setting new club records. He also guided Miami to a historic FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 and a Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal in 2025. His record-tying eighth Ballon d'Or was also celebrated in a special ceremony at DRV PNK Stadium.

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham lauded Messi’s continued commitment and enduring legacy. “Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done. We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city,” Beckham remarked. He further emphasized Messi’s dedication, stating, “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.” Beckham also highlighted Messi’s role as an inspiration for the next generation of young talent.

Now at 38, Messi, football's most decorated player with 46 career trophies including four Champions League titles, ten La Liga titles, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, shows no signs of slowing down. His influence extends beyond the pitch, having significantly elevated MLS’s international profile at a critical juncture, particularly as the United States, Canada, and Mexico prepare to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This new contract solidifies his legacy in North American football, promising fans many more years of his unparalleled brilliance.