Lionel Messi signs three-year contract extension with Inter Miami, as reigning MLS MVP will open club's new stadium in 2026

Inter Miami announced the news on social with a "HE'S HOME" message, with Messi signing his new contract in the team's still under construction stadium, Freedom Park. With the team set to open its privately funded $1 billion Freedom Park by Miami airport next year, Messi's decision gives the club a big-ticket attraction to help to bring fans to its new 25,000-seater stadium.

But more importantly, the Herons retain the best player in MLS. Messi has notched 50 goals and 35 assists in 53 league matches. Since his arrival just more than two years ago, Inter Miami have won the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters' Shield in 2024. He also sealed the 2025 Golden Boot after notching 29 goals this season. 

Manager Javier Mascherano spoke of Messi's impact on the club in his pre-match availability for the club's playoff match against Nashville. 

“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 said Thursday. “The best way to help him is trying to do the right things ... he has to be comfortable on the pitch. He’s comfortable when things are working in the right way.

“With him, when we do things the right way, we’ll have many chances to have success.”

While Messi has confirmed his club status, his international future remains uncertain. The forward acknowledged he is not sure if he will play in next year's World Cup following his recent participation in Argentina's final home qualifier.

“As I’ve said before, I don’t think I’ll play another World Cup… at my age, it’s only logical to think I might not,” Messi told TyC Sports after the match.

Messi said his participation in the 2026 World Cup will come down to his fitness.

“Day by day, I try to feel good and, above all, be honest with myself," he said. "When I feel good, I enjoy it. But when I don’t, honestly, I don’t enjoy it - and if that’s the case, I’d rather not be there. So we’ll see. I haven’t made a decision yet about the World Cup. Match by match, I’ll finish the season, then have preseason, and in six months, I’ll see how I feel. Hopefully I can finish this MLS season strong, have a good preseason in 2026, and then make a decision.”

If Messi repeats as MLS MVP, he would be the first player in league history to win in back-to-back campaigns. He is also seeking his 47th league trophy and could get it with this year's MLS Cup.