Inter Miami and Lionel Messi have reportedly agreed to extend the Argentine superstar’s contract, keeping him in Major League Soccer (MLS) beyond next year’s World Cup, a source familiar with the talks has confirmed.
The new deal will see the 38-year-old remain in competitive football until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. An official announcement is expected within the next two weeks.
If finalized, the extension would effectively mean Messi will close out his legendary career in the MLS.
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after a spell at Paris Saint-Germain, following nearly two decades at Barcelona where he won 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies. He reached the pinnacle of his international career in 2022, leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, and has since pledged to help defend the title at the 2026 edition.
Since arriving in Miami, Messi has made a remarkable impact. He was named MLS Most Valuable Player in 2024 despite Inter Miami’s playoff exit, and in 2025 became the fastest player to score 40 league goals.
The extension not only secures Messi’s future but also signals Inter Miami’s ambition to remain a dominant force in American soccer, while using his influence to further grow the sport in the United States.