Lionel Messi Extends Inter Miami Stay Through 2028, MLS Superstar Shows Commitment to Miami Project
Miami, FL – Soccer icon Lionel Messi has committed his future to Inter Miami, signing a contract extension through 2028, the Major League Soccer (MLS)...
Miami, FL – Soccer icon Lionel Messi has committed his future to Inter Miami, signing a contract extension through 2028, the Major League Soccer (MLS) club announced Thursday, October 23, 2025.
The club shared a celebratory video on social media showing Messi signing the deal at the construction site of their new stadium, with the headline reading simply: “HE’S HOME.”
Messi Reflects on Miami Journey
“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. “Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.”
The 38-year-old joined Inter Miami during the 2023 season, and his previous contract was set to run through the end of 2025. Since his arrival, Messi has transformed the Herons into an MLS powerhouse, winning the Golden Boot this season with 29 goals and adding 19 assists, tallying 48 goal contributions — just one shy of the MLS single-season record set by Carlos Vela in 2019.
Messi is also vying to become the first MLS player to win back-to-back MVP honors, following in the footsteps of Preki, who won the award in 1997 and 2003.
Club Vision and Legacy
Inter Miami’s managing owner, Jorge Mas, emphasized the importance of Messi’s extension for the club and the city:
“We promised our fans that we would dream big to build an iconic club. Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We very much look forward to writing new chapters at our stadium at Miami Freedom Park.”
Co-owner David Beckham highlighted Messi’s impact on the team and American soccer:
“We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo’s commitment to the city, to the Club, and to the game. He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win.”
A Storied Career
Messi’s legendary career spans nearly two decades. He starred for Barcelona from 2004 to 2021, winning 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies, before a two-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain, where he added two French league titles to his collection. Internationally, Messi led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup crown and claimed Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
Since joining MLS, Messi has already made a major impact: he guided Inter Miami to the 2023 Leagues Cup and helped the club win the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record.
The Road Ahead
With Messi anchored in Miami through 2028, Inter Miami aims to continue building a world-class team around the global superstar. The new stadium at Miami Freedom Park is expected to be a centerpiece for the club’s growth and a hub for cultivating soccer talent in the U.S.
Messi’s extension not only reinforces the club’s ambitions but also strengthens MLS’s global profile, signaling that the league remains a serious destination for top-tier football talent.