What's happened
Lionel Messi is close to finalizing a multi-year contract extension with Inter Miami, keeping him in MLS through at least 2026. The deal aims to secure his presence for the club's new stadium opening and beyond, with negotiations in the final stages. Messi has not publicly addressed his World Cup plans.
What's behind the headline?
The ongoing negotiations highlight Inter Miami's strategic effort to keep Messi, whose presence significantly elevates the club's profile and commercial prospects. The deal's proximity to completion suggests the club's focus on stability and long-term success, especially with the new stadium opening next year. Messi's future World Cup participation remains uncertain, but his continued MLS presence will likely influence the league's growth and international reputation. The deal also underscores MLS's increasing ability to attract top-tier talent and retain star players, which could reshape the league's competitive landscape and global standing.
What the papers say
The sources from AP News, The Independent, and ESPN all confirm that Messi's contract extension is in the final stages, with negotiations ongoing for several months. The AP News notes that the deal would extend his stay through 2026 or possibly beyond, emphasizing the importance of his presence for MLS and Inter Miami. The Independent highlights the strategic importance of the new stadium and Messi’s role in elevating MLS’s profile. ESPN reports that the deal could extend Messi's MLS career through 2027, with the player himself remaining non-committal about the 2026 World Cup, citing age and current form. All sources agree that the deal is close but have not disclosed specific financial terms, reflecting a shared focus on the strategic value of Messi's continued presence.
How we got here
Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023 on a 2.5-year contract worth an estimated $150 million. Since then, he has become MLS's second top scorer with 20 goals and 11 assists this season, helping the team win the Leagues Cup and Supporters' Shield. The club is eager to retain him for the opening of its new stadium in 2026 and to boost its global profile.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Will Messi Stay in Miami Long-Term?
Lionel Messi's potential contract renewal with Inter Miami has everyone talking. Fans and analysts are eager to know if he'll commit to the club beyond 2026, especially with the upcoming stadium opening and the 2026 World Cup. This page explores what Messi's future in Miami could look like and what it means for MLS and the club's growth.
-
Will Messi's Stay Boost MLS Growth?
Lionel Messi's potential re-signing with Inter Miami is stirring excitement across the soccer world. Fans and analysts alike are wondering how his continued presence will impact Major League Soccer's growth, popularity, and global standing. With negotiations still ongoing, many questions arise about what Messi's future means for the league and American soccer fans. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Messi's MLS journey and its broader implications.
-
Will Messi Stay in MLS After 2026?
Lionel Messi's future in Major League Soccer is a hot topic right now. With his contract nearing extension and the upcoming MLS stadium opening, fans and analysts are wondering what’s next for the football legend. Will he stay beyond 2026? What does his contract extension mean for Inter Miami? Here are the key questions and answers about Messi’s future in MLS.
-
What’s Next for Messi After the World Cup?
Lionel Messi's future after the 2026 World Cup is a hot topic among football fans and sports analysts. With his current contract extension in the final stages, many wonder whether Messi plans to retire, stay in MLS, or return to Europe. Here are some of the most common questions about Messi's next moves and what they could mean for his legendary career.
-
How Is Messi's MLS Contract Extension Impacting Soccer in the US?
Lionel Messi's potential contract extension with Inter Miami is making waves in the soccer world. His continued presence in Major League Soccer (MLS) could reshape the sport's popularity and influence in the United States. Fans and analysts are wondering how this move will affect viewership, the league's growth, and whether other international stars might follow suit. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Messi's impact on MLS and American soccer.
-
Are More MLS Stars Signing Long-Term Deals?
With Lionel Messi close to extending his stay in MLS, many fans and analysts are wondering if this signals a trend of more top players committing long-term to the league. Such moves could reshape MLS's future, making it more competitive and globally recognized. Below, we explore what Messi's contract extension means for MLS and whether other stars might follow suit.
-
How Do Top Soccer Players Negotiate Contracts?
Soccer stars often negotiate multi-million dollar deals that can shape their careers and impact clubs worldwide. Understanding how these negotiations work, what factors influence contract terms, and how players like Messi secure their deals can give you insight into the business side of soccer. Below, we explore common questions about contract negotiations in professional soccer and what makes these deals so significant.
-
Will Messi Stay in MLS Beyond 2026?
Lionel Messi's potential contract extension with Inter Miami has everyone talking. As negotiations near completion, fans and analysts are wondering what this means for his future and the broader soccer landscape. Will Messi's move influence other leagues? How does his extension compare to other top players? Keep reading to find out the latest updates and answers to your burning questions about Messi and global soccer news.
More on these topics
-
Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward and captains both Spanish club Barcelona and the Argentina national team.
-
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami (lit. 'Miami International Football Club'), commonly referred to as Inter Miami, is an American professional soccer club based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of
-
Major League Soccer is a men's professional soccer league sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation which represents the sport's highest level in the United States and Canada.
-
Jordi Alba Ramos is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Barcelona and the Spain national team.
He started his career at Barcelona, but was released after being deemed too small. After joining Cornellà, he moved to Valencia.
-
Miami is a coastal city in the U.S. state of Florida. It is the second-most populous city proper in Florida, with a population of 442,241 at the 2020 census. The Miami metropolitan area in South Florida has an estimated 6.46 million residents, ranking...
-
Virgil van Dijk is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Liverpool and captains the Netherlands national team.
-
Mohamed Salah Hamed Mahrous Ghaly is an Egyptian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Liverpool and the Egypt national team.
-
Liverpool Football Club is a professional football club in Liverpool, England, that competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football.