Lionel Messi has officially signed a new three-year contract with Inter Miami, extending his stay in Major League Soccer through the 2026 FIFA World Cup and beyond. The announcement, made on Thursday, comes just one day before Miami’s Eastern Conference playoff opener against Nashville — a fitting backdrop for a deal that cements the Argentine superstar’s lasting influence on U.S. soccer.
“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.”
Messi’s extension is monumental for both club and league. The 38-year-old captain has been at the heart of Miami’s transformation since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, guiding the Herons to the Leagues Cup and the MLS Supporters’ Shield. He has since scored 71 goals and registered 27 assists in 82 appearances, becoming not just the face of Inter Miami but of MLS itself.
On the pitch, Messi continues to set unprecedented standards. He claimed the Golden Boot this season with 29 goals — five clear of LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge — and added 19 assists, totaling 48 goal contributions, just one shy of Carlos Vela’s 2019 record of 49. His season included a run of five consecutive multi-goal games, a first in MLS history, and 10 matches with multiple goals, breaking yet another league record.
Unsurprisingly, Messi is again the frontrunner for the league’s MVP award after winning it last year. Should he claim the honor a second time, he would become only the second player to do so, after Preki in 1997 and 2003 — and the first ever to win it in consecutive years.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s relentless competitiveness and influence on the squad. “To enjoy him, watching him enjoy doing the things he is doing — he’s very, very competitive and he tries to translate that to the team,” Mascherano said. “The best way to help him is to try to do the right things … he has to be comfortable on the pitch. He’s comfortable when things are working in the right way.”
With the 2026 World Cup set to be held in North America, Messi’s renewed commitment not only ensures his presence on the continent’s biggest stage but also reinforces MLS’s growing global stature. As his illustrious career enters its twilight, Miami — and the footballing world — will continue to savor every moment of his magic.
