The announcement came Thursday, a day before Miami’s playoff opener against Nashville, with the club sharing a photo of Messi signing the contract inside the still-under-construction stadium. “HE’S HOME,” read the club’s social media post, celebrating the renewal of a partnership that has transformed both the team and the league.
“It makes me really happy to stay here and 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.”
The new deal ensures Messi will be part of Inter Miami’s move into its state-of-the-art 25,000-seat stadium near Miami International Airport. The club has already begun selling ticket packages based on the expectation that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner would stay.
Messi’s continued presence is a massive boost for MLS, which has seen surging ticket sales, international viewership, and merchandise demand since his arrival in July 2023. His iconic pink No. 10 jersey remains the league’s top seller, and Inter Miami’s matches regularly attract record-breaking crowds and broadcast audiences worldwide.
Messi’s on-field impact has been equally historic. He won MLS’ Golden Boot this season after scoring 29 goals and providing 19 assists — contributing to 48 goals overall, just one shy of Carlos Vela’s 2019 record. His performances make him the overwhelming favourite to win a second consecutive MLS MVP award, a feat previously achieved only once in league history.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s leadership and influence on the team.
“He’s very competitive and he tries to translate that to the team,” Mascherano said. “The best way to help him is to do the right things on the pitch. When we do, we have many chances to succeed.”
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham hailed the contract extension as proof of the club’s ambition.
“Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city — and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” Beckham said. “We brought the best player to ever play the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, and Leo’s commitment to the club and to football.”
Managing owner Jorge Mas described Messi’s new deal as “an ode to our amazing city,” adding that it fulfills the club’s promise to build an “iconic team” representing the passion and dreams of Miami’s diverse community.
At 38, this new contract is expected to be Messi’s final professional deal. Since making his debut for Barcelona in 2004 at age 17, he has spent more than two decades at the top of world football, leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and lifting nearly every major trophy in the sport.
Inter Miami’s roster is set to evolve over the coming seasons. Teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets will retire after this campaign, while Luis Suárez’s future remains uncertain. But for now, Messi’s decision to stay ensures stability — and star power — as the club prepares for a new chapter both competitively and commercially.
Messi’s first Inter Miami contract, reportedly worth around $150 million, brought immediate success as the team captured the 2023 Leagues Cup, the first major trophy in its history. His influence has since propelled the franchise to global prominence and helped MLS reach audiences far beyond North America.
As Messi continues into what could be the final years of his glittering career, his message is clear: the dream that began in Miami is far from over.