Inter Miami Confirms Lionel Messi’s Contract Extension Through 2028

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Football icon Lionel Messi has officially extended his contract with Inter Miami, confirming that he will continue playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) well beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The new deal secures his stay with the U.S.-based club until at least 2028, cementing his long-term commitment to American football both on and off the pitch.

The extension marks another historic moment in Messi’s career, ensuring that one of the world’s greatest players remains the face of Inter Miami as the club enters a new era with the opening of its Miami Freedom Park Stadium in 2026.

Messi, who joined Inter Miami in July 2023, helped transform the club’s fortunes almost instantly, guiding the team to its first-ever Leagues Cup title and inspiring a surge in MLS viewership worldwide. His influence has extended far beyond goals and assists; it has reshaped how global audiences see American soccer.

With this new contract, Inter Miami aims to build stability and momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Club officials said Messi’s continued presence will be central to attracting talent, expanding fan bases, and strengthening Miami’s reputation as a global football hub.

While the exact figures of the new deal remain undisclosed, industry analysts estimate Messi’s initial 2023 contract was worth around $150 million, including endorsements and profit-sharing deals with Apple and Adidas. The extension underscores his unparalleled commercial and sporting value to both the club and the league.

“Messi’s commitment is a statement not just for Inter Miami, but for the growth of football in the U.S.,” said an MLS executive.

As Messi approaches the final chapters of his playing career, this move signals that his focus is not only on competition but also on building football’s future in North America a legacy that could outlast his time on the field.