Lionel Messi is reportedly on the verge of extending his stay with Inter Miami, in a move that would keep the Argentine icon in Major League Soccer (MLS) until at least 2026.
According to The Athletic, Messi is expected to agree to terms on a contract extension that would see him remain with David Beckham’s club as they transition into their highly anticipated 1 billion usd stadium, Miami Freedom Park, set to open in 2026.
Messi’s Blockbuster Impact in the U.S.
Messi, 37, joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, sending shockwaves through the football world with his move to south Florida. Since then, he’s transformed the club both on and off the pitch.
In just 48 appearances, the World Cup winner has scored 42 goals and provided 21 assists, leading the club to its first-ever trophy, the 2023 Leagues Cup, only months after arriving.
The Barcelona Reunion and Mascherano’s Role
Messi’s influence in Miami has helped attract a number of former Barcelona teammates, including Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez, creating a mini-Barça revival in MLS. Adding to the connection, Javier Mascherano, a former teammate at both Barcelona and with Argentina, is now managing the team.
New Stadium, New Era
Inter Miami currently plays at the 19,100-seat Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. However, the club is preparing to move into Miami Freedom Park, a 25,000-seater stadium that forms part of a major 1 billion usd development.
The extension would ensure that Messi — the team’s captain and face of the franchise — will lead the team into its new home, marking a symbolic and strategic move for both Inter Miami and MLS as the league continues to grow in global relevance.
What’s Next for Messi?
Messi’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season. If finalized, the new deal would keep him in the U.S. for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—offering Messi a potentially monumental final chapter to his legendary career.
