OFFICIAL: Signing a major contract, Messi commits to playing until age 41

24/10/2025 06:30:00 soccer

Lionel Messi has officially signed a contract extension with Inter Miami, pledging to stay with the American club through the end of the 2028 MLS season—when he will turn 41.

According to Inter Miami’s announcement, the new deal extends his contract by three years as a result of negotiations that have taken place over the past several months. This move is seen as a demonstration of Messi’s full confidence in the club’s long-term project—where he is not only a football icon but also a cultural and commercial symbol.

This agreement means the Argentine superstar will continue playing for David Beckham’s team until 2028, instead of ending his contract at the close of 2025 as initially planned. The decision was revealed just hours before Inter Miami’s playoff match against Nashville SC, marking a significant moment in the club’s MLS journey.

Lionel Messi officially extends his contract with Inter Miami through the 2028 MLS season

According to USA Today, Inter Miami is currently finalizing its new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, expected to open in 2026. Messi will be the face of this project, playing a central role in the club’s global promotional campaign. In the extension announcement video, Messi is shown signing the contract against the backdrop of an iconic construction site, symbolizing the shared spirit of "building the future" for both the club and the player.

Financial details have not been disclosed by Inter Miami, but MLS data shows Messi’s base salary is $12 million annually, with bonuses and commercial rights pushing his total earnings beyond $20.4 million. Additionally, he holds a stake in collaborative projects between MLS and Apple—the league’s major media partner.

The new contract allows Messi to play until age 41, aiming toward the 2026 World Cup

Since joining Inter Miami in mid-2023, Messi has completely transformed the club’s image. He helped the team win the Leagues Cup in his first season, then led them to a record points total in the 2024 MLS season. In 2025, Messi continued his top form by scoring 29 goals, earning the Golden Boot, and is nearly certain to be named the season’s MVP—becoming the first player in MLS history to win this award two years in a row.

To date, Messi has scored 62 goals and provided 29 assists for Inter Miami, topping all club records. By extending his contract through 2028, he not only confirms his desire to finish his career in the U.S. but also maintains his performance level with the goal of participating in the 2026 World Cup—potentially his final tournament for Argentina.

Messi’s decision to extend with Inter Miami shows his ongoing hunger for achievement. At 37, he continues to write the final glorious chapter of his career with a new journey, where the MLS stage serves as a bridge between the legacy of a legend and the dream of winning another World Cup with Argentina.

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