Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are putting the finishing touches on a contract extension that would keep the Argentine star at the club until at least 2026, a source with knowledge of the matter told the Associated Press on Thursday.
The multi-year deal has been under negotiation for months, according to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity as neither Messi nor the team has disclosed details. Inter Miami did not respond to a request for comment, but ESPN and USA Today reported on Wednesday that the agreement was close to being finalised.
The club has been eager to secure Messi's signature, partly to ensure he remains on the roster when the new stadium near Miami International Airport opens next year. The team has already been selling ticket packages and taking deposits for seats in the new venue, and demand could wane without Messi.
The 38-year-old has scored 20 goals and provided 11 assists in Major League Soccer this season, ranking second in the league for goals. He joined Inter Miami in July 2023 on a 2½-year contract worth an estimated $150 million and was named MLS MVP last season despite missing 15 of 34 regular-season matches through injury or international duty.
Messi has led the club to its first two trophies—the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters' Shield in 2024—and has driven a surge in global popularity. Keeping him through 2026 would be a major boost, particularly as he aims to defend Argentina's World Cup title that year.
