Lionel Messi’s American adventure looks set to continue. According to ESPN, Inter Miami and their global superstar are in the final stages of negotiating a new multiyear deal that would keep him in Major League Soccer beyond 2025. While the financial details haven’t been disclosed, both sides are reportedly ironing out only minor details before making it official.
Lionel Messi, now 38, joined Inter Miami midway through the 2023 campaign in a landmark move that instantly changed the profile of MLS worldwide. His current deal runs through next season, but given his remarkable impact on and off the field, Miami have wasted no time in trying to secure his future.
And the numbers back up why. In just 21 league games this season, Messi has already scored 20 goals — second-most in MLS — while also recording 11 assists, placing him among the league’s top playmakers. His debut season was just as electric, finishing with 20 goals and 16 assists. Overall, the Argentine magician has produced 41 goals and 27 assists in 46 MLS appearances, and across all competitions with Miami, he has netted 54 times in just 62 matches.
Trophies have followed, too. Messi’s arrival propelled Inter Miami to their first piece of silverware, the 2023 Leagues Cup. Last season, the Herons claimed the Supporters’ Shield as the best regular-season team, though they crashed out early in the playoffs. This year, Miami currently sits sixth in the Eastern Conference (14-6-7, 49 points) with the business end of the season approaching.
Of course, Messi’s résumé speaks for itself. An eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, he spent nearly two decades at Barcelona, where he won 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns. A short stint at Paris Saint-Germain added two more league championships. Additionally, Messi has solidified his legacy on the international scene by leading Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and Copa America victories in 2021 and 2024.
Lionel Messi’s goals and assists are not the only reason Inter Miami wants to keep him. His arrival has raised the club’s profile internationally, packed MLS stadiums, and generated fresh interest in the league.
Now, with a new deal nearly finalized, Miami’s greatest signing looks set to extend his stay — and continue writing his American chapter.
