Messi Stays in Football for at Least Three More Years as Inter Miami Extends His Contract Through 2028
Lionel Messi has extended his stay with Inter Miami for three more years, tying his career to the club through the end of the 2028 MLS season. Despite ongoing retirement rumors, Messi has shown he is not ready to quit. By the end of this contract he will be 41 years old, a striking reminder that age has not slowed him down. Inter Miami released a stylish video announcing the extension, featuring Messi and the club’s forthcoming stadium, which is scheduled to open in 2026, signaling a new era for the team and its global icon.
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What the Deal Looks Like: Salary, Sponsorships, and a New Stadium
Details of the contract were not disclosed publicly. Forbes, however, reports Messi could earn about $60 million a year in salary, with another $70 million expected from sponsorships. David Beckham, co-owner of the club, said: "He remains loyal to the club and wants to win." The extension is presented as a long-term pledge to build around him. With a three-year term, the contract runs through December 31, 2028, aligning with Inter Miami’s broader ambitions, including a new stadium opening in 2026. The news signals a new era in Miami, as the team looks to build around its global superstar while investing in infrastructure and brand growth.
Beckham Says Messi Is Loyal and Wants to Win
Beckham’s endorsement sits beside Messi’s continued commitment. The star is described as still eager to win and to lead the team toward titles. The stadium project is a visible symbol of that ambition, with a planned 2026 opening that will host a new chapter for Inter Miami. Inter Miami’s move signals a long-term plan to keep Messi at the center of the club’s ambitions and growth.
Miami’s Changing Guard: Alba and Busquets Retire, Suarez Contemplates, De Paul Arrives
Two of Messi’s longtime teammates, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, are expected to retire after Inter Miami’s MLS Cup playoffs. Luis Suárez has not made a final decision, but he has hinted that he would like to finish his career alongside Messi: “I want to finish my career with Messi. We have discussed this for many years. We might have such an opportunity.” Rodrigo De Paul has already joined Miami, signaling Messi’s shift toward a younger core and a reinvigorated squad. All of this suggests Messi is assembling a new, younger crew around him in Florida.
Ronaldo, Rivalry, and Life After Messi: The Longer Game in Global Football
Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr runs through mid-2027, illustrating that the age-old rivalry between the two legends is playing out on different timelines. To play alongside Messi, Ronaldo would need to stay in top form well into his 40s—potentially to age 44—which would be an extraordinary feat. Ronaldo recently became the first footballer to reach billionaire status, underscoring how the sport’s economics have evolved. When Messi eventually steps away, he will still hold a stake in Inter Miami, a condition of his deal that keeps him connected to the club. The ongoing Messi–Ronaldo narrative continues to redefine football’s present and future, blending talent, business, and a shared hunger for longevity.
