Lionel Messi, Inter Miami close to agreement over contract extension
Inter Miami is close to an agreement with Lionel Messi over a contract extension, which would see the Argentina forward lead his side into their new home at Miami Freedom Park next year.
Messi joined Miami as a free agent in July 2023 on a deal that expires at the end of 2025 but — according to sources in the United States with knowledge of the situation — talks to prolong his stay are at an advanced stage and the 37-year-old is now expected to sign, although work continues to finalise the terms.
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If all goes to plan, Messi will put pen to paper soon in what would come as a huge boost to the franchise and Major League Soccer (MLS).
Miami managing owner Jorge Mas has handled the negotiations and told FDP Radio Miami earlier this week that 'the stars are aligning for something great, for a beautiful future for the club and for Lionel. It's solely his decision.
'I expect that within 60-90 days we'll have to determine all of this. My hope has always been — and everything we're doing — is to see Messi play at our new stadium in 2026. Hopefully, that happens.'
Messi scored twice on Wednesday as Miami overturned a first-leg loss and 1-0 deficit on the night to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory over Los Angeles FC and reach the Concacaf Champions Cup semi-finals, where they will face Vancouver Whitecaps later in April.
It took his tally to 42 goals in 48 appearances since arriving, while he also has 21 assists. The eight-time Ballon d'Or and 2022 World Cup winner has helped turn Miami into a competitive force and will lead them at the revamped Club World Cup this summer. Miami secured its spot at the Club World Cup after winning the MLS Supporters' Shield in 2024.
Last September, the club announced it will start playing home games at its new Miami Freedom Park stadium from the 2026 season. The 25,000-seat stadium is part of a wider 131-acre development which includes a public park, entertainment and hospitality venues. The arena, the park and initial entertainment and hospitality venues are due to open later this year.
Miami previously said Miami Freedom Park would be ready for this season but that start date was later pushed back. The 2025 campaign will be Miami's last at the 21,550-seat Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Analysis by senior soccer writer Felipe Cardenas
There are still doubts about whether Messi will play for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, but this extension should shift opinions towards a 'yes' that the Argentina captain will opt to feature in his sixth World Cup finals.
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On the other hand, the Inter Miami-Messi project now appears it will carry on for the foreseeable future. As Mas noted, the club has dreamt of opening their new stadium in 2026 with Messi still wearing Miami's pink and black kit rather than the suit of a club executive.
Messi cannot out-sprint every defender he faces at 37. His use of body feints are less frequent, but his gifted touch, knack for goals and surreal vision on the ball remain tools that he relies on.
His mere presence on the pitch and within the Miami training facility raises the bar for teammates and opponents alike. His expected renewal to stay in America as a professional footballer will be well-received by league officials and his legions of fans around the world.
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