FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami CF announced Thursday that Club captain Lionel Messi, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and 2022 World Cup champion, has signed a contract extension with the team through the end of the 2028 MLS season.
The extension was announced Thursday, a day ahead of Inter Miami’s playoff opener against Nashville. The No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference will host Game 1 of the best-of-three series Friday night.
Messi expressed his excitement about continuing with the club and the upcoming move to Miami Freedom Park.
“It makes me really happy to stay here and continue with this project that has become a beautiful reality — playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi said in a news release from the club. “We can’t wait for the fans to enjoy it as well. It’s going to be very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium.”
Inter Miami CF Managing Owner Jorge Mas called Messi’s extension “an ode to our amazing city” and said the club looks forward to “writing new chapters” at its new home.
Co-owner David Beckham praised Messi’s commitment to the club and the city, saying he continues “to inspire the next generation of young talent.”
Messi joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, quickly helping the team capture its first major trophies, including the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield. Individually, he has won multiple awards, including the 2024 MLS Landon Donovan MVP and the 2025 MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals — becoming the first Inter Miami player to earn the award.
The 38-year-old Argentine has also helped the team reach the round of 16 in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the semifinals of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. In total, Messi has 71 goals and 44 assists in 82 appearances for Inter Miami, both club records.
The extension coincides with Inter Miami’s move in 2026 to its new stadium at Miami Freedom Park, part of a 131-acre entertainment and commercial district.
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