MIAMI, Florida – Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have reached an agreement in principle to extend the Argentine superstar’s contract, ensuring he remains in Major League Soccer (MLS) through at least the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to reports from multiple sources close to the club. An official announcement from the team is expected within the next two weeks.
The new deal would see the 38-year-old continue his career in the United States, providing a massive boost to both Inter Miami and the league as the region prepares to co-host the World Cup in the summer of 2026 alongside Canada and Mexico. The tournament is set to kick off on June 11, with the final slated for July 19 at MetLife Stadium. Messi’s previous contract was due to expire at the conclusion of the 2025 MLS season.
A Career Defined by Greatness
The contract extension could mark the final chapter of one of football’s most storied careers. Before his move to Inter Miami in 2023, Messi spent the bulk of his professional life at Barcelona, where he emerged from the youth academy to win 10 LaLiga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies.
On the international stage, Messi’s legacy was cemented when he led Argentina to a historic World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022. He has since expressed a strong desire to play for his country in what could be his sixth World Cup, a feat that would set a new all-time record, tying him with his long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo. With 114 international goals and two Copa América titles (2021 and 2024), Messi continues to be a central figure for the Albiceleste. He is also now just three goals shy of Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 career World Cup goals.
Continued Success in MLS
Since arriving in Miami, Messi’s impact has been immense. He was named the 2024 MLS Most Valuable Player and, in 2025, became the fastest player in league history to score 40 goals. Despite his individual success, his team has faced challenges, including a 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup’s last 16 and a 3-0 defeat to the Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup final.
Despite these setbacks, Inter Miami is currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference and remains well-positioned for a playoff run, with multiple games in hand. The extension of Messi’s contract is a clear sign of the club’s and the league’s commitment to capitalizing on his global presence as the sport’s biggest star.
Source: AFP
