Lionel Messi is set to prolong his stay in Major League Soccer, with reports emerging that the Argentine superstar has reached an agreement with Inter Miami to extend his contract beyond 2026.
The deal, though not yet officially confirmed by the club, would ensure the 37-year-old continues to spearhead Miami’s project well into the latter part of the decade.
Messi originally signed a deal through the 2025 MLS season, with an option for 2026. However, his remarkable impact on and off the pitch has reportedly convinced both player and club to commit to a longer partnership.
Since arriving in July 2023, the FIFA World Cup winner has transformed Inter Miami into a global brand, boosting attendance, television ratings, and shirt sales while delivering silverware with the 2023 Leagues Cup title.
According to insiders, the extension reflects Messi’s comfort with life in Miami, his close relationship with co-owners David Beckham and Jorge Mas, and his desire to keep shaping soccer’s growth in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host.
Inter Miami are also expected to continue building around Messi, with stars like Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba complementing him in the short term, while younger signings are developed for the future. The club sees Messi’s presence not only as a sporting advantage but also as a key driver for MLS’s continued expansion into global markets.
