Messi’s American Sunset: Inter Miami Deal Confirms the Final Chapter Until 2028
Lionel Messi’s journey with Inter Miami has taken an historic turn with the announcement of a contract extension that will see the global icon remain in Major League Soccer (MLS) until the end of the 2028 season. This deal is widely anticipated to be the final professional contract of his legendary career, theoretically keeping him on the pitch until he is 41.
The extension cements the “Messi Effect” in American soccer and raises questions about his remaining career ambitions, family life, financial landscape, and the ripple effect on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Why the Extension to 2028? A Family and Lifestyle Decision
Messi’s decision to extend his stay in Miami is rooted in a desire for stability and happiness for his family, a theme he has often repeated since his arrival. His initial move to Inter Miami in 2023 was described as a “family decision” following two “difficult” years in Paris, where he and his family reportedly struggled to settle.
Miami, with its large Spanish-speaking community, proximity to Argentina, and laid-back lifestyle, has proven to be the ideal environment for the Messis.
- Family Well-being: Messi has openly stated his family is “happy living in Miami,” finding a return to the joy and normalcy they had in Barcelona.
- The Inter Miami Project: The forward has expressed his pleasure in continuing with a project that has become a “beautiful reality.” This commitment aligns with the club’s goal of having him inaugurate their new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, due to open for the 2026 season.
What Else Does He Have to Achieve? World and Club Ambitions
Having secured the one trophy that eluded him—the 2022 FIFA World Cup—Messi’s primary professional goals are now more localized but still substantial.
- Club Trophies in MLS: The coveted MLS Cup remains the biggest domestic prize Inter Miami has yet to claim. Having already delivered the club’s first silverware (the 2023 Leagues Cup) and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield (regular season best record), winning the MLS Cup would complete the set.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup: While he hasn’t definitively committed to playing, his contract ensures he remains in competitive form leading up to the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the US. Staying with Inter Miami provides a familiar and comfortable base for his preparation with the Argentine National Team.
- Individual Milestones: Globally, his pursuit of 1,000 career goals (he needs over 100 more) and the all-time free-kick goal record (needing a handful more to surpass Juninho Pernambucano’s reported total) provide incredible long-term motivation.
The Financial Landscape: A Trailblazing Hybrid Deal
While financial details are not officially disclosed, the extension is expected to be as groundbreaking as his initial 2023 contract.
- Lucrative Compensation: His initial deal was worth an estimated $130 million to $150 million over 2.5 years, including a base salary over $20 million annually. The new deal is expected to maintain or surpass these figures.
- A Stake in the Future: The contract is notable for its innovative structure, which reportedly includes equity in the club upon his retirement—a rare feature in sports.
- Commercial Partnerships: His earnings are significantly boosted by a share of revenue from major partners like Apple (MLS Season Pass) and Adidas, securing his role as a key business partner for both the club and the league’s global brand expansion.
already iconic… ⚽️🏆
october 2nd@FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/LXQc4dSsEf— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) October 1, 2025
MLS Records He Can Break Before 2028
Messi’s initial seasons in MLS have been record-breaking despite time missed through injury and international duty. The extended contract gives him ample time to become one of the most dominant players in league history.
| Record He Can Break/Hold | Current Status/Goal |
| Most MLS MVP Awards | Needs one more MVP award to be the first player to win the award three times. |
| Most Goal Contributions in a Single Season | He narrowly missed Carlos Vela‘s record of 49 in 2019, making this an immediate target. |
| All-Time MLS Career Goals | Needs to continue his blistering scoring rate to ascend the league’s all-time list. |
| All-Time MLS Career Assists | His playmaking prowess makes him a serious contender for this record over the next three seasons. |
| All-Time Inter Miami Goals/Assists | He has already shattered the club records for both goals and assists, setting a new, seemingly insurmountable benchmark. |
