Miami news: Lionel Messi extends Inter Miami contract
The news all Inter Miami fans have been waiting for has finally arrived: superstar Lionel Messi will be staying through the 2028 Major League Soccer season.
The Argentine has already brought so much to Inter Miami and the MLS, and now sets his sights on breaking more records for The Herons.
Messi, the MLS player of the month for October, signed his new deal inside the club's new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, set to open next year.
The story so far
The 38-year-old joined the MLS outfit back in 2023, following an underwhelming stint at French giants PSG, although his success with Argentina at the 2022 World Cup delivered his eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023.
Messi is still set to join forces with Jorge Mas, Jose Mas, and Sir David Beckham as co-owners upon retirement.
Since his arrival, Messi has led Inter Miami to their first two trophies as a club, winning the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters Shield.
These achievements booked places in last year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup and last summer's FIFA Club World Cup.
Messi has scored 71 goals, along with providing 37 assists, in only 82 appearances since moving to Miami.
What does the future hold?
Lionel Messi will turn 39 during the 2026 World Cup, when he and his Argentine teammates will defend their title as world champions.
If Messi retires at the end of his 2028 contract, it will mean the world-beater will have completed 25 seasons of professional football.
Messi and Inter Miami now prepare for tomorrow's Round One Playoff series clash with Nashville SC at the Chase Stadium.
Despite the end-of-season retirements of teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Messi still has unfinished business in America, and the Inter Miami faithful can look forward to more years of Lionel Messi magic.
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