Inter Miami nearing agreement with Messi on contract extension

Lionel Messi is on the verge of extending his remarkable chapter in Major League Soccer, as Inter Miami edges closer to securing a contract renewal with the Argentine icon.

Since his arrival in mid-2023, Messi has not only elevated the club’s global profile but also transformed its on-field fortunes. In just 48 appearances, the now 37-year-old forward has scored 42 goals and delivered 20 assists a staggering contribution that highlights his ongoing dominance despite being in the twilight of his career.

Messi’s impact on Inter Miami has gone far beyond statistics. His presence has brought an unprecedented level of attention to both the club and Major League Soccer as a whole, drawing international media coverage and attracting fans to stadiums across the country. Merchandise sales skyrocketed, ticket prices soared for games featuring the Argentine, and Inter Miami quickly became a household name in football markets that previously had little exposure to MLS.

Sporting success soon followed. Messi led Inter Miami to its first major trophy just months after joining, lifting the 2023 Leagues Cup in dramatic fashion. The team built on that momentum in 2024 by winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. These achievements marked a significant milestone for a club that had been struggling for consistency since its inception and had never before tasted silverware. Messi’s influence, both on and off the pitch, has been nothing short of transformative.

According to a report from The Athletic, Inter Miami is now in the final stages of negotiating a contract extension with their talisman. His current deal is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, but the club and Messi’s representatives are reportedly working to add an additional year, keeping him in South Florida through the 2026 season. Only minor details remain before the agreement is finalized, and an official announcement is expected soon.

This new deal would not only prolong Messi’s playing career but also ensure that he is part of another milestone in the club’s evolution: the move to its new stadium, Miami Freedom Park. Set to open in time for the 2026 MLS season, the state-of-the-art facility will become Inter Miami’s permanent home. With a planned capacity of 25,000 seats, it will replace the current Chase Stadium, which holds 21,550 spectators. Located closer to central Miami, Freedom Park is designed to provide a more accessible and immersive matchday experience, including training grounds, public parks, retail areas, and other amenities.

For Messi, remaining with Inter Miami through the 2026 season would also align with another major event: the FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico that same year. Although it's still unclear whether the Argentine legend will participate in that tournament, his continued presence in North America would further amplify football’s popularity across the continent during what is expected to be a landmark moment for the sport in the region.

From a commercial perspective, the extension would also allow Inter Miami to continue benefiting from Messi’s unmatched star power. His association with the club has attracted high-profile sponsors, expanded broadcasting deals, and opened up international partnerships, including training camps and brand collaborations in Latin America and Europe. Extending his contract ensures these opportunities continue to flourish, further embedding Inter Miami into the global football landscape.

David Beckham, one of the club’s owners and a former global star himself, played a crucial role in bringing Messi to MLS a move that mirrored Beckham’s own transformative impact when he joined LA Galaxy in 2007. Now, under Beckham’s leadership, Inter Miami is setting the standard for what a modern American football club can aspire to become: successful, sustainable, and globally recognized.

In summary, Messi’s potential contract extension is about far more than adding another year to his playing days. It’s about continuity, legacy, and ambition. Inter Miami is preparing for the future, and they want their greatest ever signing to be at the heart of it. If finalized, the deal would see Messi don the pink and black shirt not only through the opening of Miami Freedom Park but also into what promises to be one of the most exciting periods in American football history.