Lionel Messi has cemented his future in North American soccer, signing a contract extension with Inter Miami that will keep the football icon in Major League Soccer until 2028. The deal ensures the Argentine legend will continue shaping the league’s global profile ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has revitalized the club and league, driving unprecedented ticket sales and stadium attendance. His 2024 MLS Most Valuable Player award—earned despite Miami’s playoff exit last season—underscores his enduring influence. This year, he propelled the team to a third-place Eastern Conference finish, netting 29 goals in 28 matches to claim the Golden Boot.
Messi’s Saturday hat-trick against Nashville SC highlighted his relentless form as Miami prepares for a playoff rematch against the same opponent this Friday. At 38, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner remains defiant about age limitations, stating his focus is on "competitive action, not retirement."
For investors and sports analysts, Messi’s extended tenure signals sustained commercial growth for MLS, with Asian markets increasingly tuning into the league’s rising stature. Cultural observers note his presence has bridged soccer’s transcontinental appeal, resonating with diaspora communities and travelers tracking global sporting trends.
