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Lionel Messi's American expedition will continue for several more years.
Inter Miami announced that Messi, 38, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in soccer's history, has agreed to a contract extension through the end of the 2028 MLS season in a news release shared on its official website Thursday (October 23).
“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," Messi said from the site of the club's new stadium. "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 initially joined Inter Miami in 2023 and led the club to its first Leagues Cup in 2023 and MLS Supporters' Shield title in 2024, while also winning the 2023 Leagues cuP best Player and Top scorer awards (10 goals in seven appearances) in his first season and the 2024 MLS Landon Donovan MVP Award in 2024, having recorded 36 goal contributions (20 goals, 16 assists) in 20 appearances.
“Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done,” said Inter Miami CF co-owner David Beckham. “We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo’s commitment to the city, to the Club, and to the game. He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win. As owners, to have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very lucky.”
Messi won a record eight-time Ballon d'Ors, six European Golden shoes and was named as the world's best player by FIFA eight times as an individual player and 45 team trophies, including the 2022 World Cup, during his legendary career.