Lionel Messi is set to stick around in South Florida.
The soccer star is “close to finalizing” a new multi-year contract to remain with Inter Miami, ESPN reported Wednesday. The two sides are considered in the “final stages of the negotiation process.”
Messi, 38, first signed with the MLS club in July 2023 following a two-year stint with Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain. His presence in Miami became a revelation for MLS in 2023, and most recently, Messi became the fastest player to reach 40 goals in league history during the 2025 season.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Here’s what to know about Messi’s reported new deal to remain with Inter Miami.
MORE: Man City vs. Napoli prediction, odds, betting tips and best bets
Lionel Messi contract extension details
The exact details of Messi’s contract are not yet known. However, ESPN did report that his extension will be for multiple years, while USA Today also reported that Messi would be signed for “at least two more seasons through 2027.”
A deal between Inter Miami and the club captain is expected to be finished soon, with USA Today reporting it as “about 85 percent done” as of Wednesday night. Once a contract is agreed upon, it would be sent to MLS for final approval.
Both Messi and Inter Miami have expressed their interest in an extension; Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas told ESPN previously that the club would do “anything in its power” to ensure Messi felt comfortable returning and retiring in the area.
Messi is coming off a 2.5-year deal with Inter Miami that he agreed to in July 2025. He led the club to the inaugural 2023 Leagues Cup trophy just weeks after his debut, and Messi has set the MLS record for most points in a single season and lifted the 2024 Supporters’ Shield in his stint with Inter Miami.
A source told USA Today that the 38-year-old Messi views an extension with the club “as a chance to further Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, the United States and globally” while prolonging his career.
Inter Miami is set to open a new stadium project, Miami Freedom Park, in 2026.
MORE: Has Neymar ever won the Ballon d’Or?
Lionel Messi Inter Miami stats
In 2025, Messi has played 36 games with Inter Miami. He’s put up a total of 28 goals and 14 assists in all competitions, which includes the Concacaf Champions Cup, Club World Cup, MLS and Leagues Cup.
Messi is currently Inter Miami’s leading goal scorer, ranking second in MLS with 20 goals. He is also Inter Miami’s all-time leader with 62 goals and 29 assists since joining the club in 2023.
On Tuesday, Messi became the fifth player in MLS history to record back-to-back 20-goal seasons.
Jordi ➡️ Messi 🫂 pic.twitter.com/4EuMzFxujr
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 17, 2025
