Lionel Messi, Inter Miami near deal to extend contract through 2026 | OneFootball

Lionel Messi is close to signing a new contract with Inter Miami that will keep him with the team at least through the end of the 2026 MLS season, according to a source with knowledge of the talks who spoke to The Associated Press.

Messi’s current deal, signed in July 2023, runs through 2025 and was worth around $150 million over two and a half years. The new contract is multiyear and is in its final stages, with only minor details left to be worked out. Neither Messi nor Inter Miami has announced the extension yet.

Messi has changed Inter Miami’s image both on and off the field when joining MLS. He has helped the franchise win its first two trophies: the 2023 Leagues Cup and the Supporters’ Shield. He’s also brought a surge in ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships and international attention.

Inter Miami’s long-term vision includes Lionel Messi

Inter Miami CF v Seattle Sounders FC | Megan Briggs/GettyImages

Inter Miami has obviously made keeping Messi a top priority, with the club wanting him to be part of its new stadium opening in 2026 near Miami International Airport. The team has already started selling ticket packages and taking seat deposits for the venue and having the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in its lineup is definitely key to those plans.

His arrival is was truly a game-changer for MLS as a whole.

On the field, Messi is still playing at an elite level, with 20 goals (second in the league) and 11 assists this season. Since joining Miami in July 2023, Messi has 41 goals and 27 assists in 46 league games and 54 goals in 62 games across all competitions.

Despite missing nearly half of Inter Miami’s regular-season games last year due to injuries and national team duties, Messi was the 2024 MLS MVP.

The extension would also coincide with La Pulga’s international intentions. The captain of Argentina has not closed the door on taking part in the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Staying in MLS would allow Messi to find stability while he considers whether he's going to defend the title he won in Qatar in 2022.