Lionel Messi is close to signing a contract extension that will keep the Inter Miami captain at the club when their new Miami Freedom Park home opens in 2026, according to a report.
Miami captain and reigning MLS Most Valuable Player Messi signed a deal until December 2025 when he joined the franchise as a free agent in July 2023, and The Athletic has described renewal talks as “advanced”, citing sources in the US.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he felt “very happy” at Miami in February, while owner Jorge Mas predicted earlier this week that the 37-year-old’s future would be resolved “within 60-90 days”.
“It’s solely his decision,” Mas told FDP Radio Miami, adding that “the stars are aligning for something great, for a beautiful future for the club and for Lionel”.
“My hope has always been — and everything we’re doing — is to see Messi play at our new stadium in 2026. Hopefully, that happens.”
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Lionel Messi contract: What has he said?
In an interview less than two months ago, Messi explained why he “felt called” to join The Herons following less than two years with French giants Paris St-Germain.
“I always had it in my mind to play in the MLS,” the Argentina skipper told Apple Music. “I said more than once that it attracted me and was something I wanted to do.
“I felt called to Inter because it’s a club that’s growing and very new. I don’t regret it – quite the opposite. I feel great; I am enjoying where I am, what I do, daily training, the games, my friends, my family.
“I honestly feel happy living day by day. I don’t get ahead of myself; I simply enjoy and live what comes my way today.”
Next stop: SEMIFINALS! 🫡
Vamos @InterMiamiCF! 🩷 pic.twitter.com/cPhCQNNt66
— Luis Suárez (@LuisSuarez9) April 10, 2025
Lionel Messi contract, salary
Messi remains the most high-profile player in the world alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and has an optional extra year in his Miami contract.
Speaking to Marca after Messi’s arrival was first announced, Mas said the four-time Champions League winner would earn up to $60 million a year.
Messi’s purported playing salary of up to $20.4m is considerably more than any other player in the US and is heftily increased by holding equity in the club and payments from league broadcasters Apple.
Lionel Messi stats
Formed by a group including former England captain David Beckham in 2018, Miami made Messi one of the most high-profile MLS signings of all time and won their first trophy with his help by triumphing in the 2023 Leagues Cup.
In his first full campaign with the club, Messi averaged an MLS-record 2.18 goal contributions per 90 minutes in 2024 to help Miami win their first Supporters’ Shield.
Lionel Andres Messi ✨🐐 pic.twitter.com/WqYoIZNPEv
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) March 16, 2025
He added two goals on Wednesday as his side reached the Concacaf Champions Cup semi-finals with a comeback win over Los Angeles FC, taking his tally to 42 goals and 21 assists in 48 Miami appearances.
New Inter Miami stadium: Miami Freedom Park
Miami announced last September that they will move to the 25,000-capacity Miami Freedom Park stadium from the 2026 season, which is part of a 131-acre development and had originally been scheduled to open this season.
They currently play at the 21,550-capacity Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, where Miami won the shield with an MLS single-season record 74 points in 2024 before falling at the first hurdle in the play-offs courtesy of a 3-2 home defeat against Atlanta United, who finished 34 points and eight positions below them in the regular campaign.
Miami’s play-offs exit was a blow for the MLS and Apple, with Messi by far their most marketable star and viewing figures boosted hugely when the World Cup winner plays.
We’re coming home 🏠 Miami Freedom Park 2026 pic.twitter.com/1haJN0tBPW
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 4, 2024
Will Messi play at the 2026 World Cup?
Speculation continues over whether Messi will lead Argentina’s title defense at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, which will be held in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Argentina have already qualified for the finals, which start in June 2026.
The Athletic’s senior soccer writer, Felipe Cardenas, said a contract extension at Miami would “shift opinions towards a ‘yes'” that Messi will play at the finals for a sixth time.
