Lionel Messi has left a lingering question mark over his contract situation with Inter Miami in recent months, and the possibility of seeking greater challenges before the 2026 World Cup raised concerns about a possible departure from Inter Miami after the end of the current MLS season. But all concerns were officially put to rest on Thursday.
Through a video captioned "HE'S HOME," Inter Miami confirmed that the Argentine will continue to showcase his talent on American soccer fields. The video begins by showing Messi sitting at a table signing the new agreement. Then, the camera reveals the star player at the construction site of the club's future stadium, Miami Freedom Park, which is scheduled for completion at the start of the 2026 MLS season.
Although his current contract was due to expire at the end of 2025, the "final details" of the new deal were already being finalized, according to Argentine media reports. There is always the possibility of unplanned changes in soccer, but if he remains until the end of the new agreement, Messi will end his stay at Inter Miami at the age of 41.
Lionel Messi has revolutionized Inter Miami and MLS
Since arriving in Florida midway through the 2023 season, Messi has scored 71 goals in 82 games. In MLS itself, he has scored 50 goals in 53 games. During the 2025 regular season, he found the net 29 times in just 28 games and won the league's Golden Boot for the first time.
With his presence, Inter Miami won the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters' Shield. On the other hand, the coveted MLS Cup title has yet to come, as the club was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last year. After finishing third in the Eastern Conference in 2025, Miami secured a spot and will face Nashville SC in a three-game series, starting on October 24.
Finally, the arrival of Miami Freedom Park is directly linked to Lionel Messi's contract renewal with Inter Miami. The project will be entirely financed by private investment, without the use of public funds. In addition, it is estimated to generate more than 15,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute more than $40 million in annual taxes to the city of Miami, Miami-Dade County, the state of Florida, and local public schools.