MIAMI, FLA. – Inter Miami CF has officially announced that club captain and global icon Lionel Messi has signed a contract extension through the 2028 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, keeping one of the sport’s all-time greats in South Florida for years to come.
The new deal, which had been in the works since early 2025, ensures that Messi will lead Inter Miami into a new era, including the long-anticipated opening of Miami Freedom Park, the club’s state-of-the-art stadium set to debut in 2026.
Messi: “A Beautiful Reality”
“It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality, playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi said. “Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.
“We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park. We can’t wait for it to be finished, to experience it from the inside, in our new home, and for the fans to enjoy it as well. It’s going to be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium.”
A New Chapter for Club and City
Messi, 38, first joined Inter Miami in July 2023, transforming both the club and the league in the process. His arrival ushered in an unprecedented period of success for Miami, as he guided the team to its first two trophies, the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, while capturing individual honors including the Leagues Cup Best Player, Top Scorer, and 2024 MLS MVP awards.
In 2025, Messi continued his dominance, securing the MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals and leading Miami to a historic run in international competitions, including the FIFA Club World Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup.
Across all competitions, Messi has tallied 71 goals and 44 assists in 82 appearances, both club records.
Club Leaders Reflect on Historic Extension
Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas praised the renewal as a reflection of the club’s ambitions:
“We promised our fans that we would dream big to build an iconic club, one that represents the passion, hard work, and dedication of all those that came before us to create a Miami built on dreams,” Mas said. “Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We look forward to writing new chapters at Miami Freedom Park. Together, we will continue building and dreaming.”
Co-owner David Beckham echoed that sentiment, calling Messi’s commitment “a powerful statement” for the club and the city.
“We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city,” Beckham said. “That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo’s commitment to the club and to the game. He’s still as driven as ever, and to have a player who loves the sport as deeply as he does is something we feel very lucky to witness.”
Looking Ahead
Messi’s extension will carry him beyond his 40th birthday and into the next chapter of his illustrious career, coinciding with Inter Miami’s move into its new 131-acre home at Miami Freedom Park, a world-class entertainment and sports complex set to open in phases beginning in 2026.
As the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner prepares to lead Miami in the upcoming MLS playoffs, his renewed commitment signals that the club’s most ambitious days still lie ahead.
“Messi to 2028” is more than just a contract, it’s the continuation of a legacy that has already redefined American soccer.
