Lionel Messi has officially renewed his contract with Inter Miami, solidifying his commitment to the Major League Soccer team until 2028. The announcement, made on Thursday, is a significant milestone for both the club and the league as the iconic Argentine forward continues his remarkable career at the age of 38. Although Messi previously hinted that Inter Miami might be his final destination in professional football, he has shown no inclination to retire, emphasizing that age will not influence his choices moving forward.
David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, expressed his excitement about Messi’s extended tenure, stressing their ambition to attract elite talent to the franchise. Beckham also highlighted Messi’s dedication to winning, which has been evident this season as the forward leads the league in scoring with 29 goals. His contributions have propelled Inter Miami to a commendable third place in the Eastern Conference, and the team is now preparing to compete against Nashville SC in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs, kicking off this Friday.
Messi’s arrival in Miami in 2023 generated immense interest in MLS, marking a pivotal moment for soccer’s growth in North America, especially with the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. His signing has significantly affected the financial dynamics of the league, with Miami’s valuation doubling to $1.2 billion since 2022. Forbes now ranks it as the second most valuable team in MLS.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber noted that Messi’s choice to join the league has been a game-changer, impacting not only Inter Miami but soccer in the United States overall. His global star power has attracted unprecedented attention to the sport.
While Messi has encountered minor disciplinary issues, including a recent fine stemming from an incident during a match against New York City FC, these moments underline the necessity of professionalism as the league continues to grow. Fans of Inter Miami are eagerly looking forward to Messi’s performance in the upcoming MLS playoffs and what lies ahead.
Messi’s continued dedication to Inter Miami heralds a promising future for soccer in North America. As he maintains his high level of play, there is a hopeful outlook for the sport’s development and integration into the cultural framework of the region, with players like Messi leading the way for its expansion and acceptance.