Lionel Messi has signed a new contract with Inter Miami that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028 Major League Soccer season.
The agreement was revealed on Thursday after the club shared a video on its X account showing Messi putting pen to paper inside the still-constructing Miami Freedom Park stadium, with the caption, “He’s Home.”
Messi said in the club statement, “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.”
He added, “Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.”
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham praised the renewal, describing the decision as proof of Messi’s “commitment to the city, to the club, and to the game”.
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Beckham said, “He’s still as committed as he’s ever been, and he still wants to win,” adding that the club felt “very lucky” to have a player who continues to inspire young footballers across the United States.
Messi’s initial contract was set to expire at the end of the 2025 MLS campaign.
Club sources had earlier hinted that the extension was a mere formality after talks progressed smoothly last month.
The new deal means Messi will remain active past the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The tournament begins on 11 June and ends with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July.
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after a difficult spell at Paris Saint-Germain, following a historic 17-year senior career at Barcelona.
Messi was named MLS Most Valuable Player for the 2024 season, despite Inter Miami being knocked out in the playoffs.
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