Messi Nears Extension to Stay With Inter Miami Through 2027
Negotiations in final stages on a multi-year deal that would keep the Argentine star in MLS for at least two more seasons, with ownership plans in place after his playing days.
Inter Miami and Lionel Messi are closing in on a contract extension that would keep the Argentine star in MLS beyond this season, according to multiple reports. The discussions, described as in the final stages, would extend his stay in South Florida for at least two more seasons and potentially through 2027, depending on the final terms. While the exact value of the deal has not been disclosed, the talks are described as highly progressed, with both sides nearing a formal agreement. The arrangement also contemplates Messi joining Inter Miami’s ownership group after his playing days, a clause that had been discussed previously and aligns with the club’s long-term plans.
ESPN reported Wednesday night that the negotiations were in the “final stages,” while USA Today cited a potential extension of at least two seasons through 2027 and pegged the deal’s progress at roughly 85%. The reporting acknowledges that the contract would keep Messi in MLS for the foreseeable future, with the ownership component serving as a long-term structural element of his relationship with the club. If completed, the extension would come as Inter Miami looks to solidify its core around one of the game’s greatest talents as it pursues continued growth in the league.
Messi first arrived in the United States in 2023 under a two-and-a-half-year contract that runs through the end of this season. Since joining Inter Miami, he has helped the club claim the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, underscoring the impact of his arrival on the franchise’s profile and on MLS’s broader appeal. In the current season, Messi has appeared in 21 league matches, scoring 20 goals and providing 11 assists. Across all competitions since joining the club in 2023, he has featured in 46 MLS games, recording 41 goals and 27 assists.
The extension would come with a continuing, high-profile presence for Inter Miami as the club cements its identity in a growing MLS landscape. The negotiations reflect a broader strategy to keep a core group together while also pursuing long-term ownership and leadership opportunities tied to Messi’s stature and marketability. While the talks focus on the immediate next steps, they also align with the club’s vision of sustainability and growth in the years ahead, including the possibility of Messi contributing to Inter Miami’s ownership framework after his playing career ends.
The discussions come with no official confirmation from the clubs or Messi’s camp as talks continue toward a formal agreement. Messi has not publicly committed to any event beyond the current season's horizon, and the World Cup question lingers as well. The player has previously suggested that age could factor into whether he competes in the next World Cup, noting that he would approach the decision day by day based on his physical condition and motivation. As negotiations unfold, Inter Miami’s plan remains to retain a marquee talent who has reshaped the club’s trajectory and heightened MLS attention globally.
