Inter Miami and Lionel Messi have reached an agreement to extend the Argentine superstar’s contract, ensuring he remains in Major League Soccer (MLS) beyond next year’s 2026 FIFA World Cup, a source close to the club confirmed.
The deal will keep the 38-year-old in competitive action through and after the tournament, which kicks off on June 11, 2026, and concludes with the final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on July 19.
Messi’s existing contract was due to expire at the end of the 2025 MLS season, but the extension now paves the way for him to potentially end his illustrious career in the United States. An official announcement is expected within the next two weeks.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Inter Miami in 2023 after a turbulent spell at Paris Saint-Germain, following nearly two decades at Barcelona, where he won 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies.
Internationally, Messi inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and lifted the Copa America in 2021 and 2024. He has scored 114 international goals and could feature in his sixth World Cup, setting a new all-time record, though rival Cristiano Ronaldo could match the feat.
Messi is also just three goals shy of Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals, adding another potential milestone to chase in 2026.
If confirmed, the deal would ensure that one of football’s greatest players continues dazzling fans in MLS while competing at the highest international level.
