Lionel Messi’s journey with Inter Miami began when he joined the club on a two-and-a-half-year deal in July 2023. His impact was immediate and transformative, leading the team to its first-ever trophy, the 2023 Leagues Cup, shortly after his arrival. The success continued as he inspired the team to win the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, setting a league record for the most points in a single season. Individually, Messi has been a dominant force in MLS, winning the 2024 MLS MVP award and the 2025 Golden Boot after a remarkable season where he scored 29 goals.

His 48 total goal contributions (goals and assists) in the 2025 season were just one shy of the all-time MLS record. This sustained excellence has made him the overwhelming favorite to win a second consecutive MLS MVP award, which would make him the first player in league history to achieve that feat.

Recently, Lionel Messi signed a contract extension to remain with Inter Miami CF through the 2028 Major League Soccer season, a deal that ensures the sport’s biggest icon will continue his historic American journey.

Lionel Messi’s contract extension details

The club announced the contract extension today, October 23, on the eve of Inter Miami’s playoff opener against Nashville SC. The timing of this agreement is strategically significant, as it guarantees that Messi will be the centerpiece of the team when it moves into its new soccer-specific stadium, Miami Freedom Park, next year.

Upon signing, Messi expressed his happiness, stating, “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. Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.”

The notion of Messi playing for several more seasons is a major boost for the club and for MLS, cementing his role as the face of the league and its global growth. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano expressed his delight, stating, “To enjoy him, watching him enjoy doing the things he is doing, he’s very, very competitive, and he tries to translate that to the team. The best way to help him is trying to do the right things … he has to be comfortable on the pitch. He’s comfortable when things are working in the right way. With him, when we do things the right way, we’ll have many chances to have success.”

At 38 years old, this contract is likely the last of Messi’s legendary professional playing career. His decision to extend his stay in Miami comes at a time of transition for the club, with longtime Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba both retiring after this season. Despite the changing roster, Messi’s commitment provides stability and a massive commercial upside for the franchise. By securing his future, Inter Miami is not just retaining a player; it is ensuring that the sport’s biggest star will be central to its ambitions for years to come, both on the field and off it.

Does Messi own part of Inter Miami?

So, Lionel Messi doesn’t actually own a piece of Inter Miami right now, but his contract has this really interesting option that lets him buy a stake in the club later on. It looks like he plans to take that opportunity once he wraps up his playing days. The equity piece was a big part of the special deal that got him to the club in 2023.

The setup lets Messi move from being a team player to becoming a part-owner of the franchise after he hangs up his boots. This kind of deal, where a player gets a stake in their own team, is a first for American soccer. It’s similar to what Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham had when he got the chance to buy an MLS franchise, which he eventually used to start the club.

Lionel Messi’s impact on Inter Miami

Since he joined, Lionel Messi has really changed the game for Inter Miami, giving a big lift to the club’s and MLS’s global presence, viewership, and commercial success. He’s been amazing on the field, snagging the MLS MVP award in 2024 and topping the league in goals in 2025. His presence has really boosted the whole league, with MLS seeing a 29% jump in viewership in 2025, averaging about 3.7 million viewers each week.

Messi has been the king of MLS jersey sales for three seasons in a row now. His pink No. 10 jersey has been flying off the shelves, making it the top seller in the league. Plus, having him around has really boosted the club’s popularity all over the world.

Strategic implications for Lionel Messi’s club

Lionel Messi’s contract extension with Inter Miami until 2028 really gives the club some solid stability moving forward. Having him around keeps them relevant on the global stage, boosts their revenue with sponsorships and merchandise, and makes sure they pack the stands at their new Miami Freedom Park stadium.

Having Messi on board really helps the club shape its brand as a top global soccer destination. It’s a smart move that can draw in other top talent and land some great media deals. His role as the key player helps reduce the commercial risk of moving on from the era of his retiring Barcelona teammates, making sure the club keeps growing even after he hangs up his boots.