Sports
Lionel Messi Set to Stay as Inter Miami Gears Up for Historic Club World Cup Journey
MLS may soon celebrate its biggest retention yet as Messi inches closer to extending his stay in South Florida through 2026, with teammate Jordi Alba fueling hopes for a legendary future
Lionel Messi is expected to extend his stay with Inter Miami, as talks progress towards a contract renewal that could see him remain with the club until 2026. The Argentine legend, who made his Major League Soccer debut in the summer of 2023, has been a transformative presence on and off the pitch — and his story with the Herons appears far from over.
According to Inter Miami officials, a “very important” announcement is expected within weeks, just ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. Messi’s current deal runs through the end of the 2025 season, but a 12-month extension clause is widely anticipated to be triggered, aligning with the next FIFA World Cup in North America.
At 36, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to defy expectations. His form, vision, and leadership have elevated the club and the league. For Inter Miami fans, the idea of watching Messi orchestrate plays into 2026 — possibly his final professional years — is nothing short of a dream come true.
Teammate and long-time friend Jordi Alba, who has also renewed his contract with the club, expressed his excitement over continuing their journey together. “We’ve been sharing a dressing room for many years. We were apart for a while, but coming back together here feels special. It only takes a glance between us to understand what the other is thinking,” said Alba in an interview with FIFA.
Calling it a “privilege to line up alongside the greatest player of all time,” Alba added, “I hope we can keep playing together for many years to come. Leo has made every team better — and he’s made me better too.”
Messi’s presence in the U.S. has already brought a surge of attention, ticket sales, and cultural crossover to MLS. But it’s not just about star power — his contributions to Inter Miami’s gameplay have been decisive, with goals, assists, and a much-needed championship mentality.
Looking ahead, Messi and his Inter Miami squad are preparing to represent the MLS at the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14 in the United States. The Herons will face Al Ahly in the opening clash, marking their first appearance on this elite global stage.
Alba reflected on the upcoming challenge with optimism: “It’s exciting for the U.S. to host this. For us, it’s a chance to make our mark globally. We want to be competitive and make the fans proud.”
While fans around the world eagerly await confirmation of Messi’s extended stay, there’s no doubt that Inter Miami has quickly transformed from an expansion club to a global brand — all thanks to the GOAT’s magic.