Lionel Messi has signed a contract extension to increase his keep at Inter Miami by the top of the 2028 MLS season, the workforce introduced Thursday.
Messi, 38, initially joined Miami in July 2023 as a Designated Participant on a two-and-a-half 12 months contract, breaking league precedent and workforce data along with his deal.
The membership introduced the brand new take care of a video of Messi signing the contract on what is going to turn into the sector of Miami’s long-awaited new stadium, Miami Freedom Park.
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“It makes me actually pleased to remain right here and to proceed with this undertaking that, moreover being a dream, has turn into an attractive actuality — taking part in on this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi mentioned in an announcement.
“Since I arrived in Miami, I have been very pleased, so I am actually glad to maintain going right here. We’re all actually excited in regards to the second after we can lastly play at Miami Freedom Park. We will not anticipate it to be completed — to expertise it from the within, in our new residence, and for the followers to take pleasure in it as properly. It is going to be one thing very particular to play at residence in such a spectacular stadium.”
Membership co-owner Jorge Mas beforehand expressed his want to see Messi inaugurate Miami Freedom Park in 2026, when the workforce makes the transfer from its present venue in Fort Lauderdale to the brand new stadium in Miami. Inter Miami will play the ultimate matches of the 2025 marketing campaign at Chase Stadium earlier than kicking off the 2026 season at Miami Freedom Park.
HE’S HOME. pic.twitter.com/AUMJJYR5pF
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 23, 2025
“We promised our followers that we’d dream large to construct an iconic membership,” Mas mentioned. “A membership that represents the eagerness, onerous work and dedication of all people who got here earlier than us to create a Miami constructed on desires.
“Leo signing by 2028 is an ode to our wonderful metropolis. We very a lot sit up for writing new chapters at our stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Collectively we are going to proceed constructing and dreaming.”
Since his MLS debut, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has continued to set new requirements on and off the pitch by main Miami to trophies and attendance data throughout the nation.
“Our imaginative and prescient was to convey one of the best gamers to Inter Miami and to this metropolis, and that is precisely what we now have completed,” mentioned Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.
“We introduced one of the best participant to have ever performed the sport to our metropolis. That reveals our dedication to Miami, nevertheless it additionally reveals Leo’s dedication to the town, to the Membership, and to the sport. He is nonetheless as dedicated as he is ever been and he nonetheless needs to win. As house owners, to have a participant that loves the sport as a lot as he does, and who has completed as a lot for the sport on this nation and to encourage the subsequent technology of younger expertise as he has, we really feel very fortunate.”
The Argentina captain and World Cup winner first led the workforce to the inaugural 2023 Leagues Cup trophy, earlier than occurring to encourage Miami to the 2024 Supporters’ Protect and league document for many factors in a single season.
Individually, Messi has received the 2024 MLS MVP award and most not too long ago the 2025 Golden Boot after recording 29 objectives in simply 28 video games.
Messi additionally has been nominated for the 2025 MLS MVP award and is favourite to turn into the primary participant to clinch the award on two consecutive events.
“When Lionel Messi made MLS his league of selection, it marked a turning level — not only for Inter Miami, however for our whole sport in North America,” mentioned MLS commissioner Don Garber. “Since then, we have witnessed one thing actually historic: the best participant of all time bringing international consideration to our league.
“We’re thrilled that Leo has chosen to remain and proceed his profession with Inter Miami.”
Messi will proceed to play at Inter Miami with out longtime teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who beforehand introduced their retirement from soccer on the finish of the 2025 MLS season.
Busquets and Alba will compete with Inter Miami within the MLS playoffs, with the hopes of clinching one last trophy as gamers.
Luis Suárez may play his last video games with the membership, as his contract expires on the finish of the 2025 marketing campaign. Although Suárez has but to announce an extension with the membership, Mas beforehand insisted the door stays open for him at Inter Miami ought to the Uruguayan select to remain for an additional season.
Inter Miami and Messi will now put together for the primary recreation of the Spherical 1 playoff sequence towards Nashville SC on Friday at Chase Stadium because the membership makes an attempt to clinch the 2025 MLS Cup.
