Lionel Messi has delighted Inter Miami fans in recent days after securing a contract renewal with the Florida club until 2028, extending his career until at least the age of 41. To date, the Argentine has scored 73 goals and accumulated 37 assists in 83 games played in the North American league since mid-2023.
During this period, Messi won the 2023 League Cup and the 2024 Supporters' Shield, as well as accumulating important individual awards in the MLS: the 2024 Golden Ball and the 2025 Golden Boot. Precisely because of all this, the Argentine thought twice before accepting a contract renewal.
In an interview with a major US TV channel, Messi revealed that it "wasn't difficult" to make the decision to renew his contract and said he was "totally adapted" to the United States, where a considerable part of the 2026 World Cup will be played (in addition to games in Canada and Mexico). The draw in December will determine where Argentina will play during the group stage.
It wasn’t a difficult decision. Messi said he has always based his decisions on how he feels on a day-to-day basis, both physically and mentally, to keep playing and remain part of the club. He explained that he felt really good during the year and that he’s happy living in Miami, as is his family.
He added that he loves everything that happens there. After spending a long time in Barcelona — a city he considers extraordinary, where he grew up and experienced spectacular moments that he still misses — Messi reflected that Miami allows his family to live well, enjoy life, relax, and let the children be themselves in their daily lives.
Messi's main tip for MLS to grow
However, it wasn't all praise in this revealing interview, where Lionel Messi outlined the main points MLS needs to address in order to become stronger on the international stage, as there is a feeling that the league has not yet achieved the status it deserves outside the United States.
The point cited as "key" by Messi is the freedom for teams to sign whichever players they want, without any restrictions or limitations imposed by MLS. In other words, to distance this league from other traditional North American leagues such as the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB.
However, it is noteworthy that the Argentine did not mention one of the oldest requests from MLS fans: the end of the current playoff format and the adoption of a calendar that is used in European championships and around the world; a league with home and away games, with the champion being decided on points.