Messi extends Inter Miami contract through 2028

Lionel Messi isn't going anywhere.

The Argentine superstar signed a contract extension to remain with Inter Miami through the 2028 MLS season, the club announced Thursday.

"It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality ... Since I arrived in Miami, I've been very happy, so I'm truly glad to keep going here," Messi said.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was slated to become a free agent at the end of this year. Instead, the reigning MLS MVP will now be in Miami to christen the club's new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, when it opens in 2026.

"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," the veteran forward added.

Messi's new deal required several months to complete. A report surfaced in September that Miami and the 38-year-old were finalizing an agreement, but MLS had to review the contract terms and provide final approval before it could be announced.

Messi hasn't indicated how much longer he intends to play, but given his age, this could be his last professional contract.

"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," Miami coach Javier Mascherano said Thursday, according to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press. "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."

Miami begins its quest to claim a maiden MLS Cup on Friday, when it hosts Nashville in the first game of a best-of-three opening-round playoff series.

Messi heads into the postseason in dominant form. He scored a hat-trick in the regular-season finale to claim the MLS Golden Boot, racking up 29 goals in 28 matches as Miami finished third in the Eastern Conference. He's also the favorite to be named league MVP for a second consecutive season.

The World Cup winner joined Inter Miami in July 2023.

He quickly led the club to its first trophy, spearheading a famous Leagues Cup triumph weeks after his arrival. Messi then powered the Herons to the 2024 Supporters' Shield and a new MLS record for points in a season.

Though he hasn't officially confirmed his status for next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it's expected that Messi will feature at the tournament for the sixth time as Argentina looks to defend the title it won in Qatar.