Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer at age 35 was a curveball that rocked the soccer world. After an unparalleled career at Barcelona-where he shattered records with 672 goals, won 10 La Liga crowns, and lifted four Champions League titles-his two-year stint at Paris Saint-Germain felt like a shadow of his prime. Sure, he picked up a Ligue 1 title and a French Cup, but the spark was fading in Paris. By July 2023, six months after lifting the World Cup with Argetina, the Argentine icon was itching for a new challenge, and Inter Miami swooped in with a contract that runs through 2025.
Now, with rumors of a contract extension swirling, the Miami story could extend even further. Sources from the Athletic say negotiations are well underway, with Miami’s managing owner Jorge Mas at the helm. Speaking to FDP Radio Miami, Mas teased, “The pieces are falling into place for something special… It’s up to him.” With the club’s shiny new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, set to debut in 2026, keeping Messi around feels like the dream scenario.
Since landing in Florida, Messi has been nothing short of electric. He’s racked up 42 goals and 21 assists in 48 games, tearing through MLS defenses at a record-breaking pace, he’s the fastest to 40 goals in league history and Inter Miami’s all-time leader in that statistic. The team’s trophy case is also beginning to shine, with the 2023 MLS Cup and 2024 Supporters’ Shield in the bag thanks to his magic. Still, the MLS Cup remains the one that got away, and Messi is not done chasing it.
Just look at his heroics against Los Angeles FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals – two goals to turn a first-leg deficit into a 3-2 aggregate victory. Next up: a semifinal showdown with the Vancouver Whitecaps. Beyond the stats, Messi has made Miami a contender and put MLS on the global map.
A New Home and a Global Stage
If Messi signs on for more, it’s not just about goals, it’s about perfect timing. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, with most of the matches on U.S. soil, along with Mexico and Canada. At 39, Messi hasn’t set his plans yet, but staying in Miami could pave the way for a sixth World Cup as Argentina’s captain. Then there’s the first-ever 32-team Club World Cup, which will be held in the USA in the summer. Inter Miami’s ticket to that tournament – though not earned in the usual way – reeks of FIFA pulling strings to put the 2022 World Cup champion in the spotlight.
Mas didn’t mince words: “I want Messi in our new stadium in 2026.” The 25,000-seat Miami Freedom Park, part of a massive 131-acre complex of parks and entertainment venues, opens later this year, and Miami moves in for the 2026 season. For Messi, it’s a chance to kick off a new stage with flair.
Messi’s Miami Legacy: More Than Goals
Staying in Miami would be a win-win for Messi, the club and Argentina. For him and his national team, another year in the U.S. could be ideal preparation for the 2026 World Cup, keeping him sharp and in the country as the tournament approaches. The Club World Cup nod only sweetens the deal – FIFA may claim the invitation is about the host nation, but let’s face it: it’s Messi’s star power they’re banking on. For Inter Miami, landing him means more than just soccer.
Having Messi headline the kickoff would be pure gold. Still, he has his eyes on the prize: the MLS Cup. With the League Cup and Supporters’ Shield secured, this elusive title is the next target. Together with old friends like Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and coach Javier Mascherano he’s got the team to make it happen. As talks continue, one thing is clear – the footballing world is holding its breath, hoping that Messi’s Miami story has a few more chapters to go.
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