How Much Is Lionel Messi’s New Three-Year Contract with Inter Miami?

Lionel Messi has officially agreed to a new three-year contract with Inter Miami, extending his stay in Major League Soccer through the 2028 season. The announcement, made on Thursday, comes just before the club’s playoff matchup against Nashville and ends months of speculation about Messi’s future in football.

While the club has not disclosed the financial details of the deal, early estimates suggest that Messi’s new contract could rival or even surpass his previous record-breaking agreement. The 38-year-old Argentine captain remains the league’s top attraction, continuing to drive ticket sales, viewership, and global attention for MLS.

Expected Value of Lionel Messi’s New Contract

Messi’s previous contract with Inter Miami, signed in July 2023, was one of the most lucrative in American sports history. That deal reportedly included a base salary of around $12 million per year, with total guaranteed compensation of approximately $20.45 million annually. Combined with revenue-sharing agreements involving Apple and Adidas, the total package was estimated at between $130 million and $150 million over 2.5 years.

Analysts expect Messi’s new contract to maintain similar or slightly higher financial terms. If his guaranteed compensation remains in the same range, his earnings over the next three years could exceed $60 million in direct salary. However, with the inclusion of commercial incentives, bonuses, and potential profit-sharing from MLS Season Pass subscriptions and merchandise sales, the full value of this new deal could climb closer to $150 million again—possibly even higher depending on performance clauses and endorsement extensions.

The structure of the deal is expected to continue the precedent set by his first MLS contract, integrating revenue streams beyond salary alone. This hybrid model—part player compensation, part business partnership—has become a new template for star athletes joining the league.

How the Extension Impacts Inter Miami and MLS

For Inter Miami, this deal is both a sporting and commercial win. Messi’s arrival in 2023 transformed the franchise, boosting ticket sales, global media attention, and merchandise demand. Since joining, he has helped the team secure major trophies, including the Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield, while earning the 2024 MLS MVP and 2025 Golden Boot awards.

Messi’s extension also ensures he remains the centerpiece of Miami’s project as they prepare to move into their new home at Miami Freedom Park in 2026. The stadium opening is expected to draw international attention, and Messi’s presence will play a pivotal role in its success.

For Major League Soccer, retaining the global icon extends what many call the “Messi Effect.” His arrival boosted streaming subscriptions for MLS Season Pass, elevated sponsorship revenues, and attracted new international audiences. Keeping him in the league until at least 2028 strengthens MLS’s long-term vision of global growth and competitiveness.

In summary, while Inter Miami has not confirmed any financial figures, early projections suggest Lionel Messi’s new three-year contract could again approach $150 million in total value, maintaining his status as the highest-paid player in MLS history and securing his legacy in American soccer.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How long is Messi’s new contract?

Messi’s new contract runs through the end of the 2028 MLS season, keeping him with Inter Miami for three more years.

Q2: What is the estimated value of the deal?

Though not officially disclosed, projections suggest the contract could be worth up to $150 million, including bonuses and commercial incentives.

Q3: How does this compare to Messi’s previous contract?

His previous deal was valued at roughly $130–$150 million over 2.5 years, with guaranteed compensation of around $20 million per season.

Q4: What commercial partnerships are included?

His earlier contract included revenue-sharing with Apple and Adidas, and similar partnerships are expected to continue under the new deal.

Q5: What impact will this have on Inter Miami?

The extension ensures Messi remains the face of the team as they enter a new era with the opening of Miami Freedom Park in 2026.