Inter Miami star Lionel Messi signs extension through 2028

Superstar Lionel Messi signed a contract extension with Inter Miami through 2028, the MLS club announced Thursday morning.

Inter Miami announced the news over social media with a video of Messi signing the contract at the construction site of their new stadium. The header in the video was simply: "HE'S HOME."

"It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality -- playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park," Messi said. "Since I arrived in Miami, I've been very happy, so I'm truly glad to keep going here."

Messi, 38, joined Inter Miami during the 2023 season, and his previous contract ran through the end of the 2025 campaign.

He won the Golden Boot in MLS this season with 29 goals. He added 19 assists for 48 goal contributions, one short of matching the league record set by Carlos Vela in 2019.

Messi is bidding to become the first MLS player to win back-to-back MVP honors and second multi-time winner. Preki won the award in 1997 and 2003.

"We promised our fans that we would dream big to build an iconic club. A club that represents the passion, hard work and dedication of all those that came before us to create a Miami built on dreams," managing owner Jorge Mas said. "Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We very much look forward to writing new chapters at our stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Together we will continue building and dreaming."

An eight-time winner of the Ballon d'Or given to the world player of the year, Messi starred for Barcelona from 2004-21 and for Paris Saint-Germain from 2021-23. He was part of 10 league-title-winning teams in Spain and two in France, in addition to helping Barcelona capture the UEFA Champions League trophy four times.

Immediately upon joining MLS, Messi helped Inter Miami win the 2023 Leagues Cup. The Herons won the 2024 Supporters' Shield, awarded to the club with the best regular-season record, but they lost in the first round of the playoffs.

"Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that's exactly what we have done," co-owner David Beckham said. "We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo's commitment to the city, to the Club, and to the game. He's still as committed as he's ever been and he still wants to win. As owners, to have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very lucky."

Messi guided Argentina to the World Cup championship in 2022 and to Copa American crowns in 2021 and 2024.