Lionel Messi looks set to continue dazzling Major League Soccer fans for years to come, with reports indicating that the Argentine superstar is "close to finalizing" a new multi-year contract to remain with Inter Miami. According to ESPN, both sides are now in the "final stages of the negotiation process," signaling that an announcement could be imminent.

The 38-year-old forward first joined Inter Miami in July 2023 after a two-season spell with Paris Saint-Germain in France’s Ligue 1. His arrival in Florida sparked unprecedented interest in MLS, with ticket sales, viewership, and global attention all surging overnight. In just over two years, Messi has transformed Inter Miami into a global football brand and lifted the league’s profile to unprecedented heights.

This reported extension would represent the continuation of a partnership that has already delivered trophies, historic records, and a steady stream of unforgettable moments for Miami fans.

Contract details still being finalized

While the full financial and structural details of the deal have not yet been revealed, multiple outlets have reported on its length. ESPN claims the extension will span "multiple years," while USA Today reported that the agreement will tie Messi to Inter Miami for "at least two more seasons through 2027."

According to USA Today, the contract is "about 85 percent done" as of Wednesday night, with only a few final terms left to be confirmed. Once finalized, the deal will be sent to MLS headquarters for league approval.

Both Messi and the club have made their intentions clear. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has long insisted that the organization would do "anything in its power" to ensure Messi felt settled, both as a player and as a resident of South Florida. The hope is that Messi’s career will not only continue in Miami but also conclude there, allowing him to retire in an environment that has embraced him as its own.

Messi’s impact on and off the field

Messi’s first contract with Inter Miami was a 2.5-year deal signed in July 2023. He wasted little time making his presence felt, delivering the club its first-ever trophy when Miami won the inaugural Leagues Cup just weeks after his debut. Since then, the Argentine captain has continued to collect records and accolades.

He became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 40 goals, achieved during the 2025 season, and has also set the league’s record for most points in a single campaign. Beyond his individual brilliance, Messi played a leading role in helping Inter Miami secure the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, marking the club’s rise to the top tier of American soccer.

A source told USA Today that Messi views the upcoming extension "as a chance to further Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, the United States and globally" while prolonging his career at the highest level.

The timing of this extension also aligns with Inter Miami’s broader ambitions. The club is preparing to open Miami Freedom Park, its new state-of-the-art stadium, in 2026. Having Messi in pink when the stadium opens could serve as a symbolic cornerstone for both the franchise and MLS as a whole.

Messi’s 2025 numbers continue to impress

At 38, Messi continues to perform at an elite level. In 2025 alone, he has featured in 36 matches across all competitions—including MLS, the Concacaf Champions Cup, the Club World Cup, and the Leagues Cup—scoring 28 goals and recording 14 assists.

Within MLS, Messi ranks second in the league’s scoring charts with 20 goals, trailing only narrowly behind the leader. His consistency has been remarkable: on Tuesday, he became just the fifth player in league history to record back-to-back 20-goal seasons.

Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has amassed 62 goals and 29 assists, making him the club’s all-time leader in both categories. The statistics only tell part of the story, however. His influence extends beyond the pitch, driving global interest in MLS and serving as a magnet for sponsors, broadcasters, and new talent.

A legacy still growing in MLS

For Messi, this potential contract extension represents more than just continuing to play at the highest level—it is about building a legacy that could reshape soccer in North America. His presence has already encouraged other international stars to consider MLS as a viable destination, while also inspiring a new generation of young American players who now get to measure themselves against one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Inter Miami’s project is closely tied to Messi’s influence. The club has become a cultural phenomenon in Miami, drawing celebrity fans, selling out stadiums, and reaching international markets that MLS previously struggled to tap into. Should the deal go through as expected, Messi’s influence will continue guiding both the club and the league into a new era of growth.

The news of Messi’s extension negotiations underscores that his journey in Miami is far from over. With new trophies to chase, records to set, and a landmark stadium opening in the near future, the Argentine maestro seems determined to make his chapter in the United States one of the most memorable of his legendary career.

For fans, both in South Florida and worldwide, Messi’s story with Inter Miami continues to be one of the most captivating sagas in modern football. And if the final contract is indeed completed in the coming weeks, the football world can expect more magic, more goals, and more unforgettable Messi moments in MLS.