In a significant move for Major League Soccer, Lionel Messi has penned a new three-year contract with Inter Miami, cementing his presence in the team through 2028. This deal, which took several months to finalize, arrives just in time for the club's transition into their new stadium scheduled for next year. According to NBC Miami, the deal was disclosed a day before the playoff matchup against Nashville, where Messi's Inter Miami, the Eastern Conference's No. 3 seed, is set to take the pitch for the best-of-three series opener.
Inter Miami's social media channels were quick to celebrate the news, posting images of Messi amidst the backdrop of the under-construction Miami Freedom Park with the caption "HE'S HOME." The club hopes to significantly boost ticket sales, banking on Messi's star power to fill seats in their new venue by Miami International Airport. As previously reported by CBS News Miami, they have already been selling ticket packages and collecting seat deposits well over a year, on the presumption of Messi's continued involvement with the franchise.
The Argentine's continued presence is considered a boon for both Inter Miami and MLS at large. After being crowned league MVP last season, Messi is the favored candidate to clinch the award yet again, an accolade that would make him the second player in history to win it twice, and uniquely in consecutive years. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano lauded Messi's influence in a statement obtained by NBC Miami, saying, "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." Mascherano emphasized the importance of playing well to complement Messi's capabilities on the field.
The storied footballer, now 38, also secured the MLS' Golden Boot by netting 29 goals this season, outscoring competitors by a significant margin. Messi's contribution of goals and assists totaled 48, narrowly missing the record set by Carlos Vela in 2019. Despite Messi's age, his performance peaks continue to set league records, including becoming the first MLS player to score multiple goals in five consecutive games. The impact of Messi at Inter Miami transcends the turf, with his No. 10 jersey outselling all others in MLS since his league debut, a testament to his enduring marketability as highlighted by CBS News Miami.
With the close of the current season, Messi's companions from his Barcelona days — Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets — are set to retire, while Luis Suarez's future remains uncertain. Nonetheless, Messi appears firmly committed to leading Inter Miami into a new era.
