Lionel Messi Agrees New Three-Year Contract with Inter Miami

Lionel Messi has signed a new three-year contract with Inter Miami. The club confirmed the deal on Thursday, securing the Argentine superstar through the 2028 MLS season. The announcement ends months of speculation about his future and ensures that the 38-year-old will continue to play in the United States into his 40s.

Inter Miami made the announcement ahead of their playoff clash with Nashville. Messi, who joined the club in July 2023, has been the centerpiece of Miami’s success, helping them capture both the Leagues Cup and the Supporters’ Shield while also winning individual honors such as the MLS Golden Boot and MVP awards.

Key Details About Lionel Messi’s New Contract

The new agreement extends Messi’s stay in Miami by three more years. While the club did not release financial details, the structure is expected to mirror his previous record-breaking deal. Messi’s earlier 2.5-year contract, signed in 2023, reportedly included a base salary of around $12 million per year and guaranteed compensation near $20.45 million annually.

That deal, valued between $130 million and $150 million in total, included revenue-sharing agreements with Apple and Adidas. Those partnerships allowed Messi to earn bonuses linked to subscriptions and merchandise sales, breaking new ground in MLS contract structure. Although the exact terms of the new contract remain private, analysts expect similar components to remain in place.

If the previous salary levels are maintained, Messi’s guaranteed earnings over the next three years could exceed $60 million, not counting bonuses and commercial revenue. Given his continued dominance and the growth of Inter Miami’s brand value, the total worth of this new contract could easily surpass the previous record.

Impact on Inter Miami and Major League Soccer

For Inter Miami, the extension secures not just a player but a global brand. Messi’s arrival transformed the team’s visibility and financial performance, with ticket sales, merchandising, and international broadcast figures all surging since 2023. His continued presence ensures long-term stability as the club prepares to move into the new Miami Freedom Park stadium in 2026.

For MLS, keeping Messi through 2028 is a massive victory. His influence has expanded the league’s audience both domestically and globally. The “Messi effect” continues to draw sponsorships, TV audiences, and new fans who may not have previously followed American soccer. The league will aim to maintain that momentum over the next three seasons as Messi remains its most recognizable face.

In short, Lionel Messi has agreed to a new three-year contract with Inter Miami through 2028. While the official value remains undisclosed, early projections based on his previous deal suggest the total could exceed $150 million when factoring in salary, bonuses, and commercial partnerships.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How long is Lionel Messi’s new contract with Inter Miami?

The new deal runs through the end of the 2028 MLS season, keeping Messi in Miami for three more years.

Q2: How much could Messi’s new deal be worth?

Though the official value hasn’t been disclosed, projections based on his previous agreement suggest a potential total exceeding $150 million over three years, including bonuses and endorsements.

Q3: What was Messi’s previous Inter Miami salary?

His earlier deal reportedly included a base salary of about $12 million per year and total guaranteed compensation of around $20.45 million annually.

Q4: Why is this deal important for MLS?

Messi’s presence continues to boost the league’s global profile, increase streaming subscriptions, and attract sponsorships. His extension solidifies MLS as a destination for world-class talent.

Q5: What’s next for Inter Miami?

The club is preparing for the MLS playoffs and the grand opening of Miami Freedom Park in 2026, where Messi is expected to be the centerpiece attraction.