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Inter Miami Plans Long-Term Deal to Retain Lionel Messi

The MLS club aims to secure Messi until 2026, aligning with the FIFA World Cup hosted in North America.

By Sebastián Hernadez

Photo: Inter Miami social networks.
Photo: Inter Miami social networks.
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Inter Miami is looking to the future and preparing to offer a contract extension to Lionel Messi, their star player and global icon. The proposed deal would retain Messi until the end of 2026, keeping him active for the FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Team owners David Beckham and Jorge Mas are determined to keep their franchise player and are planning to approach Messi with the new offer following the team’s preseason tour. This tour, led by coach Javier Mascherano, will include matches in Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama.

Proposed Contract Details

Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami runs until December 2025, with an option for a one-year extension. The proposed deal includes additional terms that could appeal to the Argentine star, who would be 39 years old by the end of the new agreement but still poised to participate in the 2026 World Cup.

If Messi is called up to Argentina’s national team and coach Lionel Scaloni approves, he could set a historic record with six World Cup appearances (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026).

Additionally, reports from Doble Amarilla indicate that Messi could be loaned to another club during MLS off-seasons to maintain match fitness, similar to past arrangements involving Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović, who temporarily joined Arsenal and AC Milan, respectively.

Messi’s Impact on Inter Miami

Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has been a transformative figure for the club. In just one and a half seasons, he has played 39 matches, scored 34 official goals, and established himself as the team’s all-time leading scorer. He also led the team to win the 2023 Leagues Cup and secured the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2024.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Inter Miami’s ambition to retain Messi aligns with the broader narrative of the 2026 World Cup. Should Messi renew and remain active, his presence would add significant value to MLS and the global spotlight on North American football.

  • Inter Miami plans to extend Lionel Messi’s contract until the end of 2026.
  • The extension aims to keep him active for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
  • Messi’s current contract runs until December 2025, with a one-year extension option.
  • The new deal includes provisions for loan stints during MLS off-seasons.
  • Messi has scored 34 official goals and won two titles with Inter Miami in 39 matches.
  • If selected, Messi could set a record with six World Cup appearances.

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