Lionel Messi has extended his contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami until 2028, the club announced on Thursday, securing a major boost for the North American league.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who previously hinted that Inter Miami would be his final club, has shown no indication of retirement, stating that age will not determine his decision to stop playing.
“Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done,” said co-owner David Beckham. “He’s still as committed as he’s ever been, and he still wants to win.”
The 2022 World Cup champion led the MLS in goals this season with 29, guiding Inter Miami to third place in the Eastern Conference. The team will face Nashville SC in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs starting Friday, with Messi also named among the five finalists for the league’s MVP award.
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has significantly elevated the league’s global profile, coinciding with growing excitement as the United States, Canada, and Mexico prepare to host the FIFA World Cup next year. Miami’s club valuation has since doubled to $1.2 billion, making it the second most valuable MLS team, according to Forbes.
“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,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
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