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Lionel Messi Extends Inter Miami Contract Through 2028/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Lionel Messi has signed a contract extension with Inter Miami, committing to stay with the MLS club through at least 2026. The deal secures Messi’s presence as the team moves into its new stadium next year. It marks a major win for both the franchise and the league.

Messi Contract Extension – Quick Looks

• Contract finalized: Messi signs new deal with Inter Miami, staying until at least 2026.
• New stadium debut: Deal ensures Messi will play at Miami Freedom Park in 2026.
• Three-year agreement: Inter Miami announced contract runs through 2028 season.
• MLS impact: Messi led league in goals and is likely back-to-back MVP.
• Team shakeup ahead: Teammates Busquets, Alba retiring; Suarez future unclear.
• Fan excitement grows: Messi’s jersey tops MLS sales since 2023 debut.
• Global attention: Messi fuels Miami’s popularity and MLS’ worldwide visibility.
• Ownership reaction: David Beckham praises Messi’s continued commitment to city and game.

Deep Look: Messi Commits to Inter Miami Through 2028 as Team Prepares for New Era

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi, the global icon of soccer, is staying put in Miami. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has signed a new contract with Inter Miami CFcommitting to the MLS club through at least the 2026 seasonwith the deal officially running through 2028.

After months of negotiations, the club confirmed the agreement Thursday, just one day before its Eastern Conference playoff opener against Nashville. The news secures Messi’s status as the face of the franchise — and Major League Soccer — during its move into Miami Freedom Parka new state-of-the-art stadium set to open next year.

“He’s Home”: Inter Miami Confirms Deal

In a social media post, Inter Miami declared “HE’S HOME”sharing images of Messi signing the contract inside the under-construction stadium.

Messi emphasized how content he feels in Miami and his excitement to remain part of a club building something unique in American soccer.

A Major Win for MLS and Inter Miami

Messi’s decision to extend his contract is a massive win for MLS. Since joining Inter Miami in July 2023, he has not only brought historic on-field successbut also supercharged the league’s global appeal.

• He led MLS with 29 goals this seasonclinching the Golden Boot.
• Added 19 assistsbringing his total goal contributions to 48just shy of the league record.
• Became the first MLS player with multiple goals in five straight matches and set a new record with 10 multigoal games.

Messi is a favorite to repeat as league MVPpotentially becoming the first back-to-back winner and just the second two-time MVP in MLS history.

A Club in Transition

While Messi is locked in through the next World Cup cycle, Inter Miami faces upcoming changes. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Albahis former Barcelona teammates, are both set to retire after this season. Luis Suarezalso part of the Barcelona reunion, has not confirmed his future but could join them in retirement.

Messi, now 38 years oldis expected to compete in the 2026 World Cupwhich will be hosted across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada — adding even more relevance to his continued presence in MLS during that period.

Contract Length and Financial Impact

The deal is officially a three-year extension through 2028, giving Inter Miami long-term marketing power and stadium-ticket leverage. The club has been selling season ticket packages and seat deposits for the upcoming move to Miami Freedom Park, operating on the belief that Messi would remain with the team.

His first contract — valued at approximately $150 million — paid immediate dividends. Within months of his debut, Inter Miami won its first trophy: the 2023 Leagues Cup. The following season, despite Messi missing 15 of 34 games due to injury or national team duties, Miami still earned the Supporters’ Shield for best regular-season record.

Business Boom With Messi

Messi’s arrival has fueled a marketing and merchandise explosion:

• His No. 10 pink Inter Miami jersey has been the top seller in MLS since his debut.
• He expanded his business profile in the U.S., including starring in a Super Bowl ad.
• The club’s social media following and global recognition have surged exponentially.

David Beckham’s Vision Realized

Co-owner David Beckham, who helped bring Messi to MLS, praised the commitment shown by the Argentine legend:

Messi’s impact, Beckham noted, goes beyond goals or assists — it reflects dedication to building soccer culture in the U.S. and inspiring the next generation.

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