Inter Miami and Lionel Messi have reached an agreement to extend the Argentine superstar’s contract, ensuring his stay in Major League Soccer (MLS) beyond the 2026 World Cup, according to a source close to the matter.
The extension will keep the 38-year-old active in competitive football during and after the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. An official announcement is expected within the next two weeks, the source told AFP late Wednesday. The deal all but confirms that Messi will close out his legendary career in the MLS.
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 following a difficult spell at Paris Saint-Germain. However, his greatest years came at Barcelona, where he rose through the youth ranks and starred from 2004 to 2021, winning 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies.
On the international stage, Messi guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022 and remains determined to defend the title in 2026.
Despite Inter Miami’s playoff elimination in 2024, Messi was crowned MLS Most Valuable Player. In 2025, he etched another record by becoming the fastest player to score 40 goals in league history.
