When Lionel Messi signed a new deal with Inter Miami CF on , the soccer world took notice. The agreement, announced from the construction site of Miami Freedom Park, locks the eight‑time Ballon d’Or winner in South Florida until the end of the 2028 Major League Soccer season, when he will be 41.
Messi arrived in Miami on as a Designated Player on a two‑and‑a‑half‑year contract that broke MLS salary‑cap conventions. In his debut season he helped the club capture the 2023 Leagues Cup, and the following year he guided the Herons to a record‑breaking 74 points en route to the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. Individually, his haul includes the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS MVP award and the 2025 Golden Boot – 29 goals and 19 assists in just 28 games, a total of 48 goal contributions, just one shy of the single‑season record held by Carlos Vela.
Those numbers translated into a surge of ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and even a spike in MLS TV viewership. According to the club’s 2025 financial report, commercial partnerships grew by 42 % after Messi’s arrival, and the franchise’s valuation jumped from roughly $300 million in early 2023 to just over $470 million by the end of 2025.
The extension was unveiled via a short video showing Messi signing a contract at the partially built stadium site. While the exact salary figure remains undisclosed, sources close to the club say the deal includes performance bonuses tied to league trophies, MLS Cup appearances, and commercial milestones such as stadium naming rights.
Key terms of the extension:
The agreement also positions Messi to potentially lead the Argentine national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Jorge Mas, Managing Owner of Inter Miami CF, summed up the sentiment: “We promised our fans that we would dream big. Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We look forward to writing new chapters at Miami Freedom Park.”
Messi’s own words were similarly enthusiastic: “It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality. We can’t wait to play at our new home.”
MLS Commissioner Don Garber called the extension “a milestone for the league’s growth, showing that MLS can retain world‑class talent for the long term.”
Local fans gathered outside the Freedom Park site, waving flags and chanting “¡Vamos Miami!” – a clear sign that Messi’s presence has turned a once‑niche market into a genuine soccer hotbed.
Beyond the emotional boost, the extension is a strategic business move. With the new stadium set to open in 2026, Inter Miami will transition from Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale to a 25,000‑seat, privately funded venue in Overtown. The club expects average attendance to rise from the current 19,000 to over 23,000 per game, unlocking additional match‑day revenue.
Financial analysts project that the stadium’s ancillary facilities – a restaurant, museum and youth academy – could generate $12‑$15 million annually, a direct spill‑over from Messi’s brand power. Moreover, the club’s broadcast ratings have climbed 27 % since his debut, prompting a renegotiated domestic TV deal worth an estimated $45 million per season.
For MLS, keeping a player of Messi’s stature through his prime years sends a powerful signal to other global stars. The league’s next‑generation Designated Player slots may now be priced higher, and clubs are expected to pursue more ambitious stadium projects to match the elevated standards.
The first match at Miami Freedom Park is slated for early 2026, aligning with the league’s Summer Showcase and the lead‑up to the 2026 World Cup. If Argentina advance deep into that tournament, Messi could return to Miami with a world‑cup trophy, a scenario that would explode ticket demand and global media coverage.
From a legacy perspective, staying with Inter Miami until age 41 could allow Messi to become the first player to win the Landon Donovan MVP award in consecutive seasons (2024 and 2025) and perhaps add an MLS Cup to his already glittering résumé.
Regardless of the on‑field outcomes, the extension cements Messi’s role as the centerpiece of a franchise that has become a cultural touchstone for South Florida and a flagship for the league’s international ambitions.
Keeping Messi through 2028 guarantees the club retains its best creative outlet and a proven goal‑scorer. Combined with the anticipated influx of talent attracted by his presence, Inter Miami is expected to be a perennial playoff contender and a serious MLS Cup candidate.
The 25,000‑seat stadium is projected to boost average attendance by roughly 4,000 fans per game, generating an extra $20‑$25 million in ticket and hospitality revenue annually. The venue’s commercial spaces are also expected to add $12‑$15 million in ancillary income.
At 38 years old, Messi remains fully fit and is listed in Argentina’s provisional squad for the 2026 tournament. His continued high‑level performance in MLS suggests he will likely feature for the national team, barring injury.
Retaining a player of Messi’s stature for multiple seasons reinforces MLS’s claim as a top‑tier league capable of attracting and keeping elite talent. It’s expected to boost international broadcast deals and encourage other stars to consider long‑term moves to the United States.
The primary risk is financial – Messi’s salary and performance bonuses represent a sizable portion of the club’s wage bill. Should his on‑field output decline or injuries mount, the club could face a difficult salary‑cap situation.
