NEW YORK: Lionel Messi has agreed to a new deal with Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami, extending his contract until 2028, the club confirmed on Thursday.
The renewal has thrilled supporters and provided a major lift to both Inter Miami and Major League Soccer. At 38, the Argentine superstar continues to defy age, showing unwavering determination to capture more titles with the Florida-based club.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has previously hinted that Inter Miami could be his final team, but he has given no clear indication of retirement, saying that age would not dictate his future.
“Our goal was always to bring the very best players to Inter Miami and to this city — and that’s exactly what we’ve achieved,” said co-owner David Beckham in a statement. “He remains as driven and dedicated as ever, still hungry to win.”
Messi topped the MLS scoring charts this season with 29 goals, helping Inter Miami secure third place in the Eastern Conference. They will face Nashville SC in the opening round of the MLS Cup play-offs on Friday.
The 2022 World Cup champion was also named among the five finalists for this year’s MVP award.
Messi’s arrival in 2023 ignited a wave of renewed enthusiasm for the league, coinciding with a crucial build-up period ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to Forbes, Inter Miami’s valuation has doubled since 2022, reaching $1.2 billion — making it the second most valuable MLS club.
“When Lionel Messi chose MLS as his league, it marked a defining moment — not just for Inter Miami, but for soccer across North America,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “Since then, we’ve witnessed something historic — the greatest player of all time drawing global attention to our league.”
