Lionel Messi signs new Inter Miami deal through 2028
Lionel Messi has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Inter Miami through the end of the 2028 MLS season, the club announced Thursday.
Messi, 38, originally joined Miami in July 2023 as a Designated Player on a 2½-year deal that shattered league precedent and team records. The new contract was unveiled in a video showing Messi signing the agreement on the pitch of Miami’s forthcoming home, Miami Freedom Park.
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“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 for the day 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.”
Club co-owner Jorge Mas had previously said he hoped Messi would inaugurate Freedom Park in 2026, when the team moves from its current venue in Fort Lauderdale to the new Miami stadium. Inter Miami will play the remainder of the 2025 season at Chase Stadium before beginning the 2026 campaign at Freedom Park.
“We promised our fans that we would dream big and build an iconic club,” Mas said. “A club that reflects the passion, hard work and dedication of everyone who helped create a Miami built on dreams. Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We look forward to writing new chapters at Miami Freedom Park — together, we’ll keep building and dreaming.”
Since making his MLS debut, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has continued to redefine standards on and off the pitch, leading Miami to trophies and sell-out crowds across the league.
“Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city — and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” co-owner David Beckham said. “We brought the best player ever to play the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo’s commitment to the club, the city and to the game. He’s still as driven as ever and still wants to win. As owners, to have a player who loves the game this much — and has done so much to inspire the next generation — we feel very lucky.”
The Argentina captain and World Cup champion first led Miami to the inaugural 2023 Leagues Cup title, followed by the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and a league record for most points in a single season. Individually, he won the 2024 MLS MVP award and the 2025 Golden Boot with 29 goals in 28 games. He is again nominated for 2025 MLS MVP and is favored to become the first back-to-back winner.
Messi’s arrival has transformed the club’s global reach. His pink No. 10 jersey remains MLS’s top seller, while his commercial impact includes major sponsorships and even a Super Bowl appearance. Inter Miami’s valuation has more than doubled since 2023, rising to $1.19 billion as of January 2025.
The league itself has benefited too: ticket revenues hit record highs in 2025, and five clubs set attendance records in matches featuring Messi and Miami.
“When Lionel Messi made MLS his league of choice, it marked a turning point — not just for Inter Miami, but for the entire sport in North America,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said. “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.”
Messi will continue without longtime teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who have announced their retirements following the 2025 season. Both will compete in the upcoming playoffs, aiming for one final trophy.
Luis Suárez may also be entering his final matches for the club, with his contract expiring at year’s end. Although Suárez has not announced an extension, Mas has said the door remains open should the Uruguayan wish to return.
Inter Miami and Messi now prepare for the first leg of their Round 1 playoff series against Nashville SC on Friday at Chase Stadium, as they continue their pursuit of the 2025 MLS Cup.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
