Lionel Messi extends his stay with Inter Miami for multiple years
- Inter Miami and Lionel Messi are finalizing a multi-year contract extension that will keep him with the team for at least two more seasons.
- Messi’s current contract was signed in 2023 and is valued between $130 million and $150 million, including equity in the franchise.
- This extension is crucial for both Messi's career and the overall growth of MLS and Inter Miami as the new stadium opens.
On September 18, 2025, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are in the final stages of finalizing a multi-year contract extension that will keep the renowned soccer player with the team for at least two additional seasons. The ongoing negotiations indicate that once the deal is completed, it will require final approval from Major League Soccer (MLS). This comes after Messi’s initial agreement with Inter Miami in 2023, which was a two-and-a-half-year contract valued between $130 million and $150 million, giving him equity in the franchise post his playing career. As of this year, Messi has excelled as the Herons' all-time leader, scoring 62 goals and providing 29 assists, with significant contributions to the club's success, such as winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and achieving the best regular season in MLS history in 2024. His impressive performance continued into the current season, where he has scored 20 goals in just 21 matches, trailing behind only a few players, which underscores his enduring talent and importance to the team. The Herons currently rank sixth in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind several other competitive teams. Crucially, Messi's decision to extend his contract is not only beneficial for his career but also pivotal for the MLS and Inter Miami, which are poised to capitalize on his star power. The upcoming opening of a new stadium at Miami Freedom Park in 2026 presents an opportune moment for the club, where Messi's presence would enhance fan engagement and attendance, marking a transition into a new home comfortably integrated with his iconic status in the sport. Furthermore, as Messi approaches the twilight of his career in the MLS, there is speculation that he may embrace a more ambassadorial role in promoting American soccer, especially as he bonds with the local Spanish-speaking community. His continuity with the league and the club is expected to resonate with fans and potentially attract new viewership, especially given the imminent changes in television rights agreements after the 2026 season, which could bring new broadcasting opportunities that align with Messi’s ongoing influence.