Lionel Messi Inter Miami contract extension keeps him in MLS through and beyond the 2026 World Cup, ending his career in the United States
Lionel Messi Inter Miami contract has reportedly been extended, with the Argentine legend set to remain in Major League Soccer well past the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Also read: Messi MLS exit rumours intensify after Club World Cup humiliation, contract delay
A source close to the matter revealed late Wednesday that the agreement would be formalised in the coming weeks.
The new deal means Messi, who will turn 39 in 2026, is expected to finish his illustrious career in the United States, marking the MLS as the final chapter in one of football’s most iconic journeys.
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 following a difficult spell at Paris Saint-Germain. His arrival transformed the club both on and off the pitch, with record-breaking attendance and global media attention.
In 2024, he was named MLS Most Valuable Player, despite the team’s early playoff exit. In 2025, he became the fastest player to score 40 goals in league history.
The Lionel Messi Inter Miami contract extension ensures the global superstar will be actively playing as the World Cup returns to North America in 2026 — co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Messi has previously expressed a desire to attempt defending Argentina’s World Cup crown, which he helped secure in Qatar in 2022.
Having spent the bulk of his career at FC Barcelona, where he won 10 La Liga titles and 4 UEFA Champions League trophies, Messi’s move to Miami marked a new era.
Yet his impact has been no less profound — drawing record crowds, driving shirt sales, and lifting the profile of American football on the global stage.
An official announcement of the extended contract is expected within two weeks, according to AFP’s source.
Also read: Messi MLS exit rumours intensify after Club World Cup humiliation, contract delay
Should he remain injury-free, Messi’s continued presence in MLS is expected to galvanise the league’s growth and inspire a new generation of talent ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
