“Something Truly Historic’: Messi Extends Inter Miami CF Contract Thru 2028
Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 05:22PM By Barry Janoff
October 23, 2025: Proclaiming that “The GOAT is here to stay,” MLS inter Miami CF today said Lionel Messi has signed a contact extension to remain with the club thru the 2028 season.
Messi's current contract was due to expire at the end of the current MLS season. He joined Miami in July 2023 with a two-and-a-half year pact.
Financial terms were not shared. Messi’s first contract was $130-$150 million annually — including equity in the club when he retried — with his salary was $20.45 million this season, according to industry analysts.
Inter Miami posted the news to its social media platform with a video showing him reading and then signing the contract at a desk located in the under-construction Miami Freedom Park, which is scheduled to open in time for the 2026 season. Messi's contract was set to expire at the end of the current MLS season.
"It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality — playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park," Messi said via the team. "Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.
"We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park. We can’t wait for it to be finished — to experience it from the inside, in our new home, and for the fans to enjoy it as well. It’s going to be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium."
Also in 2026 would be Messi’s possible participation with Argentina during the FIFA Men’s World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with some games scheduled for Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. Messi said a decision whether or not to play depends on his physical condition at the time.
Inter Miami’s growth over the past few seasons — as well as MLS — can directly be tied to Messi.
According to the club, prior to Messi joining Inter Miami, it generated revenue of $50-$60 million in 2022, That doubled to $120-$130 million in 2023 and topped $200 million in 2024..
Inter Miami’s valuation has jumped from an estimated $600 million in 2023 to $1.2 billion, according to Forbes.
"Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done," Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said via the club.
“We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo’s commitment to the city, to the club, and to the game. He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win.
"As owners, to have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very lucky."
Since his arrival, Inter Miami has signed sponsorship and marketing deals with some 40 marketing partners.
That currently includes Main Partners Royal Caribbean, Fracht Group Chase, Florida Group Baptist Health and Polkadot; Premium Partners Audi, Hard Rock, Heineken, Ktel One, Lowe’s, Publix, Tudor and Visa; and more than two dozen Official Partners.
Messi’s personal deals include adidas, Anheuser-Busch, MasterCard and PepsiCo. He earns some $75 million from endorsements, according to Forbes.
"We promised our fans that we would dream big to build an iconic club. A club that represents the passion, hard work and dedication of all those that came before us to create a Miami built on dreams," Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said via the team.
"Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We very much look forward to writing new chapters at our stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Together we will continue building and dreaming."
According to MLS, his pink No. 10 jersey has been its best seller since he joined the league,
Entering the 2025 season, Inter Miami played in all of the Top Ten In-Demand Games, according to the MLS Season Preview from StubHub. “As Messi enters his third season with Inter Miami, his presence remains a major draw on StubHub, fueling excitement and anticipation every time his team visits another city,” Adam Budelli, spokesperson for StubHub, said via the online ticket marketplace at the time.
Messi has recorded 50 goals and 35 assists in 53 league matches. Messi won the 2024 MLS MVP award and most recently the 2025 Golden Boot after recording 29 goals in just 28 games. He is a current candidate for the 2025 MLS MVP.
Since his arrival, Inter Miami has won the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters' Shield in 2024.
“When Lionel Messi made MLS his League of Choice, it marked a turning point, not just for Inter Miami, but for our entire sport in North America,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said via the league.
“Since then, we’ve witnessed something truly historic: the greatest player of all time bringing global attention to our league. We’re thrilled that Leo has chosen to stay and continue his career with Inter Miami.”
Photos: Inter Miami CF
Back to Home Page