Lionel Messi has signed a new three-year contract with David Beckham’s American franchise Inter Miami, putting an end to rumors of his impending retirement. The 38-year-old was nearing the end of his two-and-a-half year contract with the MLS side in July 2023.
However, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner extended his stay in Miami for three more campaigns after finalizing new terms. The announcement was made official via the club’s social media platforms on Thursday. Miami shared footage of Messi wearing a suit while signing a contract at the Globe Pitch at Miami Freedom Park. The team’s new ground is currently under development and is scheduled to be launched ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The MLS giants declared “HE’S HOME” in a heroic announcement. Messi’s new contract will keep him at the club until 2028, meaning he will follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo by continuing to play into his 40s. Messi’s contract renewal comes at an ideal time for the franchise, which is part-owned by Beckham.
Miami begins a best-of-three series on Friday at home against Nashville, the team where Messi scored three goals just last week, as part of the MLS playoffs. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain icon has made a huge difference on and off the field in MLS.
Messi won his first League Cup in 2023 and then promoted Miami to the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, breaking the league record for most goals scored in a single campaign in the process. However, the Argentina captain revealed in September that it was “logical” for him not to play in the next World Cup, raising questions about his future.
“Given my age, it’s most natural that I won’t be able to play,” Messi said. “But I’m almost there, so I’m excited and motivated to play.
“As I always say, I’m taking it one day at a time, one game at a time. That’s it, taking each day according to how I feel, trying to feel good, and most of all being true to myself.”
“When you feel good, it’s fun, but when you don’t feel good, you honestly don’t have a good time. So when you don’t feel good, it’s better not to be there. So, let’s see.”
“I haven’t decided yet about the World Cup. We finish the season game by game and then we have preseason, so we still have six months. So I’ll see how I feel. Hopefully in 2026 I’ll have a good preseason and finish this MLS season on a good note before I make a decision.”
The selection was made sooner than expected, securing his spot in Florida until late 2028.
