Lionel Messi And Inter Miami Close To Agreement On Contract Extension

‎Inter Miami is Closing an agreement with Lionel Messi for a contract extension that would allow the Argentine forward to lead the team into their new home at Miami Freedom Park next year.

‎Messi joined Inter Miami as a free agent in July 2023 on a contract set to expire at the end of 2025.

‎However, sources in the United States familiar with the situation indicate that discussions to extend his stay are well underway.

‎The 37-year-old is anticipated to sign, although discussions are still ongoing to finalize the terms.

‎If all goes to plan, Messi will put pen to paper soon in what would come as a huge boost to the franchise and Major League Soccer (MLS).

‎Miami managing owner Jorge Mas has handled the negotiations and told FDP Radio Miami earlier this week that “the stars are aligning for something great, for a beautiful future for the club and for Lionel. It’s solely his decision.

‎“I expect that within 60-90 days we’ll have to determine all of this. My hope has always been and everything we’re doing is to see Messi play at our new stadium in 2026. Hopefully, that happens.”

‎On Wednesday, Messi scored twice as Miami overcame a first-leg loss and a 1-0 deficit on the night to achieve a 3-2 aggregate victory over Los Angeles FC.

‎This win secured their place in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where they will face the Vancouver Whitecaps later in April.

‎It took his tally to 42 goals in 48 appearances since arriving, while he also has 21 assists. The eight-time Ballon d’Or and 2022 World Cup winner has helped turn Miami into a competitive force and will lead them at the revamped Club World Cup this summer.

‎Miami secured its spot at the Club World Cup after winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2024.

‎Last September, the club announced it would start playing home games at its new Miami Freedom Park stadium from the 2026 season.

‎The 25,000-seat stadium is part of a larger 131-acre development that will include a public park and various entertainment and hospitality venues. The stadium, along with the park and initial hospitality and entertainment facilities, is scheduled to open later this year.

‎Miami previously said Miami Freedom Park would be ready for this season but that start date was later pushed back. The 2025 campaign will be Miami’s last at the 21,550-seat Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

‎Messi’s extension will be well-received in MLS and around the world. 

‎There are still uncertainties about whether Messi will represent Argentina at the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

‎However, this contract extension is likely to sway opinions toward a ‘yes,’ suggesting that the Argentina captain will choose to participate in his sixth World Cup finals.

‎On the other hand, the Inter Miami-Messi project now appears to carry on for the foreseeable future.

‎As Mas noted, the club has dreamt of opening their new stadium in 2026 with Messi still wearing Miami’s pink and black kit rather than the suit of a club executive.

‎Messi cannot out-sprint every defender he faces at 37. His use of body feints is less frequent, but his gifted touch, knack for goals, and surreal vision on the ball remain tools that he relies on.

‎His presence on the pitch and in the Miami training facility elevates the standards for both his teammates and opponents.

‎His anticipated contract renewal to continue playing in America is expected to be welcomed by league officials and his massive fanbase worldwide.