Inter Miami have reached an agreement in principle with Argentine football legend Lionel Messi to extend his contract beyond the FIFA World Cup in 2026, ensuring that the global icon remains in Major League Soccer (MLS) for the foreseeable future.
A source close to the negotiations told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Wednesday night that an official announcement is expected within the next two weeks. The extension would keep Messi, who will be 38 during the 2026 World Cup, in competitive action before and after the tournament — co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — effectively setting the stage for him to end his illustrious career in the United States.
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 following a challenging stint with Paris Saint-Germain. Before that, he spent the bulk of his career at FC Barcelona, where he rose through the club’s famed academy and went on to secure 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies between 2004 and 2021.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner famously led Argentina to victory at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and he has hinted at a desire to defend the title in 2026.
Since arriving in Miami, Messi has made a major impact on the MLS. He was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in the 2024 season despite his team’s early playoff exit, and in 2025 he became the fastest player to reach 40 goals in MLS history.
The impending contract extension marks another chapter in Messi’s storied career and signals Inter Miami’s ambition to remain at the forefront of U.S. soccer as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
