Football legend Lionel Messi has officially extended his contract with Inter Miami, ensuring his stay in Major League Soccer (MLS) until the end of the 2028 season, the club confirmed on Thursday.
The announcement was made through Inter Miami’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, featuring a video of Messi signing his contract while seated at a table in the middle of the club’s new Freedom Park stadium, which is currently under construction. The caption read simply: “He’s Home.”
Messi’s Statement: A Dream Turned Into Reality
Expressing his delight over the new deal, the 38-year-old World Cup winner said he feels deeply connected to the city, the club, and its ongoing vision.
“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,” said Messi in a club statement.
“Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.”
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, following a turbulent spell at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Since his arrival, he has not only elevated the club’s global profile but also transformed its on-field performances, attracting massive crowds and global media attention.
Beckham: “We Feel Very Lucky”
Club co-owner David Beckham praised Messi’s continued commitment and passion, calling the extension a major moment for both the club and MLS as a whole.
“He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win,” Beckham said.
“As owners, to have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very lucky.”
Beckham, who was instrumental in bringing Messi to the United States, emphasized that the Argentine superstar’s presence has elevated soccer’s visibility in North America to unprecedented levels.
A Step Toward the 2026 World Cup
Messi’s new contract will keep him in competitive football through and beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026, with the final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — meaning Messi could remain in top form and visibility as one of the sport’s most iconic ambassadors during the tournament.
A Legendary Career Spanning Two Decades
Messi’s career is already the stuff of legend. He began at Barcelona, where he spent 17 years (2004–2021), scoring over 670 goals and leading the club to 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies.
After leaving Barcelona, he joined PSG, where he added two Ligue 1 titles before moving to the United States. Since then, Messi has redefined MLS viewership and fandom, with ticket prices and merchandise sales soaring since his debut.
On the international stage, Messi has scored 114 goals for Argentina, won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and lifted the Copa América twice — in 2021 and 2024.
Continuing the Legacy
Messi’s continued presence in the MLS is expected to have far-reaching effects on American soccer, both on and off the field. His influence extends to youth programs, sponsorship deals, and global branding — reinforcing Inter Miami as a premier destination in world football.
With the construction of Miami Freedom Park nearing completion and Messi’s commitment secured, the future looks bright for the club.
“He’s home,” read the club’s post — and for fans across Miami, that statement feels more true than ever.
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