The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, World Cup champion, and cornerstone of Inter Miami’s rapid rise expressed his delight at committing his long-term future to South Florida.

“It makes me really happy to stay here and continue this project that has become a beautiful reality playing at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi said. “Since I arrived, I’ve been very happy, and I can’t wait to play in our new home and share that moment with our fans.”

Club managing owner Jorge Mas described the extension as a reflection of the club’s ambition and the city’s passion for football.

“We promised to dream big and build an iconic club,” Mas said. “Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We look forward to writing new chapters at Miami Freedom Park.”

Co-owner David Beckham echoed those sentiments, calling Messi’s continued presence “a symbol of commitment to both the club and the game.”

“We brought the best player ever to play the game to our city and he’s still as driven as ever,” Beckham said. “What Leo has done for football in the U.S. and for inspiring a new generation is truly special.”

Since arriving in 2023, Messi has transformed Inter Miami into one of MLS’s most successful and marketable teams. He guided the club to its first two trophies, the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, earning MVP and Top Scorer honors along the way.

In 2025, Messi captured the MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals, becoming the first Inter Miami player to win the award. He also helped the club reach the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 and the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals  unprecedented milestones for the young franchise.

Across all competitions, the Argentine superstar has recorded 71 goals and 44 assists in 82 matches, both club records.

Messi’s new deal aligns with the club’s highly anticipated move to Miami Freedom Park, scheduled to open in 2026. The world-class stadium will anchor a 131-acre complex featuring entertainment, retail, hospitality, and commercial spaces.

“We can’t wait to experience it from the inside, in our new home,” Messi said. “It will be something very special for all of us.”

At 38, Messi remains football’s most decorated player, with 46 major trophies across his career including four UEFA Champions League titles, ten La Liga crowns, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

His personal accolades include a record eight Ballon d’Ors, three The Best FIFA Men’s Player Awards, six European Golden Shoes, and 16 Argentine Footballer of the Year titles. He also holds multiple world records including 91 goals in a single calendar year (2012) and the most goals in Europe’s top five leagues (496).

For Argentina, Messi remains the nation’s all-time leader in caps (195), goals (114), and World Cup goals (13), while becoming the only player ever to score in every knockout round stage of a single World Cup.

Messi’s renewal not only secures his future in Miami but also reinforces Inter Miami’s commitment to global excellence. As the club enters a new era with Miami Freedom Park on the horizon, the partnership between Messi and the city continues to redefine the landscape of football in the United States.