Inter Miami CF has officially announced that club captain and legendary player Lionel Messi has signed a contract extension that will see him remain with the team through the 2028 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. This extension has generated excitement among fans and stakeholders, signaling Messi’s continued commitment to the ongoing project and future successes of the club.
Messi expressed his happiness about staying in Miami, where he has found joy since his arrival in the summer of 2023. “It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality,” Messi stated during a visit to the Miami Freedom Park site, highlighting the anticipation for their new stadium and home ground.
Inter Miami’s Managing Owner, Jorge Mas, emphasized the club’s dedication to dreaming big and building an iconic franchise that embodies the spirit and passion of the Miami area. He hailed Messi’s commitment through 2028 as a recognition of their vision for the club’s future. David Beckham, Inter Miami’s Co-Owner, reinforced this sentiment, noting that bringing Messi to Miami showcases both the club’s ambition and Messi’s dedication to the city and the game.
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has played a pivotal role in the team’s success. He helped the club secure its first two trophies by clinching the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield. His outstanding performance in the 2023 season earned him the titles of Best Player and Top Scorer of the Leagues Cup, along with the Landon Donovan MVP Award for his remarkable contributions in the 2024 season. Messi also made history by becoming the first player from Inter Miami to win the MLS Golden Boot Award.
On the international front, Messi has led Inter Miami to key milestones, including a round of 16 appearance in the revamped 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and a semifinal berth in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. Throughout his tenure with the club, he has recorded a remarkable 71 goals and 44 assists—both of which are the highest in its history over 82 appearances.
The 2026 season will mark a significant milestone for the club as they transition to their new home at Miami Freedom Park, a state-of-the-art stadium situated in a vibrant 131-acre entertainment district set to open in phases starting in 2026. This relocation represents an exciting new chapter for both Messi and the franchise, fostering an atmosphere of growth and enthusiasm among fans.
Messi’s illustrious career includes an astounding collection of accolades, making him the most decorated player in football history. His impressive trophy haul comprises four UEFA Champions League titles, two Ligue 1 championships, 10 La Liga titles, and numerous international honors with Argentina, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His record eight Ballon d’Or titles and countless individual awards further affirm his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
As Inter Miami embarks on this promising new phase with Messi at the helm, the club aims not only to build on past successes but also to inspire future generations of players in the United States and beyond. With Messi’s extended presence, the dream of establishing a legacy in Miami continues to grow, giving fans much to look forward to in the coming years.