Inter Miami just made history by securing the future of the club for several more years, ensuring Lionel Messi will remain in South Florida by extending the contract that was set to end the Argentine star’s time in the city.
According to reports, the new deal runs through December 2028, keeping Messi with the club until age 41 and further extending his legacy in the U.S. Messi spoke for the first time about his renewal in an official Inter Miami statement: “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. 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,” Messi added from the new stadium site.
The contract renewal marks a historic new chapter for Messi and Inter Miami in 2026, coinciding with the club’s move to its new headquarters in the heart of Miami at Miami Freedom Park. This world-class stadium is located in a 53-acre commercial district that will open in phases beginning in 2026.
Messi’s legacy at Inter Miami so far
Messi first arrived in South Florida in the summer of 2023, kicking off a new era of success for the club. Since then, he has been instrumental in guiding Inter Miami to its first two historic trophies:
The 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, earning accolades as the Leagues Cup Best Player and Top Scorer (10 goals in seven matches) and winning the 2024 MLS Landon Donovan MVP Award (36 goal contributions: 20 goals, 16 assists, in 20 regular-season matches).
The club captain continued his stellar form in the 2025 MLS regular season, winning the 2025 MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals, becoming the first Inter Miami player to claim the prestigious award.