Inter Miami announced Thursday that Lionel Messi has agreed to a new contract extension, securing the Argentine superstar’s place with the club through the 2028 Major League Soccer (MLS) season.

The club unveiled the news with a video of Messi signing on the field of Miami Freedom Park, the privately funded 25,000-seat stadium set to open next season. Inter Miami will move from Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale to the new venue in 2026.

Messi, 38, joined Inter Miami in 2023 as a Designated Player and has since delivered historic success on and off the field. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner led MLS with 29 goals this season, securing his first Golden Boot after recording a hat trick in Saturday’s 5–2 win over Nashville in the regular-season finale.

Messi said in a statement released by the team: “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.”

Co-owner Jorge Mas said keeping Messi was central to the team’s vision: “We promised our fans that we would dream big to build an iconic club. A club that represents the passion, hard work and dedication of all those that came before us to create a Miami built on dreams. Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We very much look forward to writing new chapters at our stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Together we will continue building and dreaming.”

Co-owner David Beckham added: “Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done. We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. … He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win.”

Since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, Messi has transformed the franchise both on and off the field. He guided Inter Miami to its first major trophy — the 2023 Leagues Cup — followed by the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, and was named league MVP that same year. Across all competitions, he has tallied 71 goals and 37 assists in 82 appearances.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber praised Messi’s continued presence as a transformative moment for North American soccer: “When Lionel Messi made MLS his league of choice, it marked a turning point — not just for Inter Miami, but for our entire sport in North America. Since then, we’ve witnessed something truly historic: the greatest player of all time bringing global attention to our league. We’re thrilled that Leo has chosen to stay and continue his career with Inter Miami.”

After back-to-back postseason disappointments, Miami begins its 2025 playoff campaign Friday against Nashville SC in a best-of-three series as Messi seeks his first MLS Cup title.

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