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Lionel Messi will continue to be the star player of Inter Miami CF at least until 2028, the American club reported on Thursday following the contract renewal of its captain and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
This operation reinforces the franchise's commitment to becoming the most ambitious project in Major League Soccer (MLS).
“It's at home,” published Inter Miami on its social media, along with a video showing Messi, dressed in a dark blue suit, signing the new agreement at the center of Miami Freedom Park, the modern stadium that the club is building near the airport, set to open in 2026.
The Argentine star, at 38 years, joined Inter Miami in 2023 and has since been the driving force of the team. In his first season, he won the Leagues Cup 2023 and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
A year later, he led the club to the Supporters’ Shield of MLS 2024 and was once again named league MVP.
In the 2025 season, Messi recorded historic figures: 29 goals and 19 assists, establishing himself as the top scorer of the MLS and leading Inter Miami to the playoffs as the third seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Argentine is also a leader in shirt sales and a key figure in the media and commercial impact of the club. Each of his matches sells out, significantly increasing the television audience of the MLS on a global scale.
“We promised our fans that we would dream big. Leo signing until 2028 is a testament to the love he feels for this city and the commitment we have to Miami and this club,” said Jorge Mas, owner of Inter Miami.
“Bringing the best player of all time to this city demonstrates our commitment. Leo remains as motivated as ever and still wants to win,” added David Beckham, co-owner of the club.
With the renewal, Inter Miami ensures the presence of its captain in the new Miami Freedom Park stadium, which will open its doors in 2026 as part of a 131-acre sports, commercial, and entertainment complex.
Messi, regarded by many as the greatest soccer player of all time, has amassed 46 collective titles in his career, including four Champions League titles, ten Spanish leagues, two French leagues, three FIFA Club World Cups, and the 2022 World Cup with the Argentine national team.
Individually, he possesses eight Ballon d'Or awards, three The Best FIFA awards, and six European Golden Shoes, along with multiple scoring records that keep him as the all-time top scorer in La Liga, the Argentine national team, and modern world football.
Inter Miami is currently playing its matches at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, about 50 kilometers from Miami, but the club hopes to have its captain for the opening of the new stadium in the city. “It will be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium,” Messi stated.
The Floridian team will open its playoffs series this Friday against Nashville, with Messi as the main star.
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