MLS: Lionel Messi Signs New Contract with Inter Miami
Updated Oct. 23, 2025 1:32 p.m. ET
Doug McIntyre, Soccer Journalist
Lionel Messi will conclude his remarkable career in hot pink. The football legend, widely considered the greatest player in soccer history, has signed a new contract with Inter Miami, as announced by the MLS club on Thursday. This reported three-year deal will see the 38-year-old World Cup champion playing in South Florida until 2028, when he will be 41 years old.
“It makes me really happy to stay here and continue with this project,” Messi stated in Inter Miami’s press release. “Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.”
The GOAT joined the Herons six months after securing the most coveted prize in sports — Argentina’s first World Cup title since Diego Maradona led the team to victory in 1986, the year before Messi was born. Messi’s initial three-year contract was set to expire at the end of the current season. Miami’s playoff journey begins on Friday against Nashville SC. me777 net casino login app
Messi played a crucial role in helping Miami clinch the inaugural Leagues Cup in 2023 shortly after his arrival, defeating Nashville in the finals. The Herons also secured the 2024 Supporters Shield, awarded to the regular season champion, while setting a new points record. However, last season saw the last-place Atlanta United upsetting Miami in the first round of the playoffs. Since that setback, Messi and his teammates have made it their top priority to win the MLS Cup in 2025.
Regardless of their playoff outcome, Inter Miami will look quite different next season. Spanish legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, Messi’s former teammates at FC Barcelona, have both announced their plans to retire at the end of the current campaign. Yet, Messi will still be surrounded by familiar faces, as Luis Suárez, also 28, has expressed his desire to sign an extension, wishing to retire alongside Messi. Miami also secured Rodrigo De Paul from Atlético Madrid over the summer. The 31-year-old, who won the World Cup alongside Messi three years ago, remains a vital player for Argentina’s national team.
Next season, the Herons will also be playing in a dazzling new venue. They will be departing their temporary home in Fort Lauderdale and moving into a new billion-dollar stadium, Miami Freedom Park, located in the city proper.
“We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park,” said Messi, who was filmed signing his new deal inside the active construction site. “We can’t wait for it to be finished — to experience it from the inside, in our new home, and for the fans to enjoy it as well. It’s going to be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium.”
Since joining midway through the 2023 campaign, Messi has gathered 71 goals and 37 assists in 82 games across all competitions for Miami bk8 app for android. He is the favorite to win the MLS MVP award for the second consecutive year after clinching the Golden Boot award as the league’s top scorer, with 29 goals in 28 regular season appearances in 2025.
Doug McIntyre is a soccer reporter for FOX Sports and has covered both the United States men’s and women’s national teams at FIFA World Cups across five continents. Follow him @ByDougMcIntyre.
Interested in getting the latest stories delivered straight to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account and follow leagues, teams, and players to receive a personalized daily newsletter phdrean! fortune 888 slots online
What are your thoughts on Messi’s new contract with Inter Miami?
