Lionel Messi is set to stay with Inter Miami beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup after reaching an agreement with the Major League Soccer (MLS) club to extend his contract, according to a source close to the matter.
The extension means the 38-year-old Argentine star will continue playing in the United States even after the World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
“An official announcement is expected within the next two weeks,” the source told AFP on Wednesday. The deal could also see Messi finish his career in MLS.
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after a difficult spell at Paris Saint-Germain. Most of his career, however, was spent at Barcelona, where he rose from the youth team to become a club legend. With Barcelona, Messi won 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies.
In 2022, he crowned his international career by leading Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar. He has since expressed his determination to help his country defend the title.
Since moving to the U.S., Messi has made an immediate impact. He was named MLS Most Valuable Player in 2024, despite Inter Miami failing to progress in the playoffs. A year later, he became the fastest player to score 40 goals in MLS history.
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If confirmed, the new contract will keep Messi in competitive action and give American fans the rare chance to watch one of football’s greatest players until the twilight of his career.