Lionel Messi Contract Extension Update: Inter Miami Hint at “Very Important” MLS News

Inter Miami confident of keeping Argentine icon beyond 2025 as new deal edges closer

As Lionel Messi approaches the one-year mark since his landmark move to Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer club appears poised to offer fans the update they’ve all been waiting for. With Messi’s current deal set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, whispers are growing louder about an imminent contract extension—one that could see the Argentine legend remain in South Florida through to the 2026 World Cup.

And while the club has yet to make anything official, the language coming out of Chase Stadium is anything but subtle. According to Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano, some “very, very important” news could be just weeks away.

From Barcelona to Miami: A New Chapter Nears Its Milestone

Messi arrived in the United States in the summer of 2023 after a glittering two-decade career in Europe, first at Barcelona and then, briefly, at Paris Saint-Germain. His move to MLS felt seismic—both for the league and the American sporting landscape at large.

His deal with Inter Miami was initially penned for two-and-a-half years, taking him through to the end of the 2025 campaign. However, baked into that contract is a clause that allows for a one-year extension, and it seems that both Messi and the club are seriously considering activating it.

“To sign Jordi [Alba] for the next two years is important to show stability,” Mascherano said recently. “And hopefully, in a few weeks, we can have some news about Leo. I think it will be very, very important for the club, the fans, and for MLS.”

It’s as close to confirmation as one might expect from a manager playing it cautious in the media spotlight.

Building Around the GOAT

While the Messi deal continues to hover just beneath the surface, Inter Miami are wasting no time in securing the key pieces of their project. Jordi Alba, a longtime teammate of Messi’s at both club and international level, has signed a new contract that will keep him at Chase Stadium through the 2026 season. With Alba in place, attention now shifts to Messi, the central pillar of the franchise’s ambitious sporting vision.

The rationale for extending Messi’s stay is clear. His impact on and off the pitch has been nothing short of transformative. From a commercial standpoint, ticket sales, merchandise, global visibility, and television ratings have all soared since the Argentine’s arrival. On the field, Messi has delivered silverware and elevated the performances of those around him.

He helped Miami capture the 2023 Leagues Cup, delivered moments of brilliance that turned the tide in league matches, and picked up MVP honours along the way. Even in a recent rough patch where the Herons lost five of seven matches, Messi remained the player most likely to produce magic.

Messi and the 2026 World Cup: A Hollywood Ending?

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2025

There’s also the not-so-small matter of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Keeping Messi on MLS soil through that tournament is not only a strategic decision for Inter Miami but a huge win for Major League Soccer as a whole. It aligns perfectly with the league’s long-term growth strategy and global branding ambitions.

Messi, of course, has remained tight-lipped about his international future. He hasn’t yet confirmed whether he plans to play for Argentina in 2026, though fans and pundits alike are hoping for one last hurrah. If he does, finishing out his club career in Miami makes perfect sense—less travel, high-quality facilities, and the comfort of a team built around him.

A Few Weeks Away: Why Timing Matters

One key date looming on the calendar is the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off in mid-June. Inter Miami are expected to be involved, and a contract extension for Messi announced just before or during that competition would be a powerful statement—not just to MLS fans but to the global footballing audience.

The messaging from Mascherano and the club feels deliberate. By hinting at an update in “a few weeks,” the timing would align perfectly with the buildup to the Club World Cup. It would also give Miami a crucial morale boost heading into a high-stakes tournament.

What’s Next for Messi?

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2025

Despite some recent stumbles, Messi remains as influential as ever in Inter Miami’s setup. Whether it’s threading passes nobody else sees or delivering clutch goals in tight moments, the 36-year-old continues to play at a level that defies age. His chemistry with the likes of Alba, Sergio Busquets, and rising MLS stars has made Miami one of the league’s must-watch teams.

But more than that, Messi’s presence continues to attract top talent. Rumours persist that other high-profile players are considering MLS moves, drawn in part by the opportunity to share the field with the game’s most decorated star. A contract extension would only amplify that effect.

“We’ve built something special here,” Mascherano added. “It’s not just about one season or one player. It’s about setting a standard, creating a culture—and Leo has been a huge part of that.”

The Bigger Picture for MLS

If Messi does commit through 2026, it could represent one of the most significant long-term wins in MLS history. The league has courted global stars before—David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimović—but Messi’s reach is unparalleled.

He’s brought new eyes to the league, bridged international audiences, and proven that MLS can not only attract elite talent but also create an environment in which they can thrive. His extended stay would reinforce that message and help MLS continue its push for mainstream relevance in the United States.

Final Whistle: An Update That Could Change the Landscape

In the world of football, few figures carry the weight of Lionel Messi. His presence alters narratives, drives business, and defines eras. As Inter Miami inch closer to announcing his contract extension, the ripple effect will be felt far beyond the pink-and-black of South Florida.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer catching a match because of Messi, one thing is clear: the story isn’t over yet. And if Mascherano’s hints are anything to go by, the next chapter might be arriving sooner than we think.