Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi is reportedly very close to renewing his contract, which would keep him at Inter Miami beyond 2025.
Messi is expected to play in MLS for at least one more year, with The Athletic reporting on Friday that the Argentine is set to sign a contract that will run until the end of 2026.
His original deal, signed in July 2023, is set to expire at the end of the current season.
Messi will be 39 years old at the end of the 2026 season. He is currently in his third season in MLS and has already scored three goals and provided two assists in four league matches.
This move would pave the way for the Argentine to play in the 2026 World Cup, although there are still questions as to whether he will return to the national team to participate in a major tournament for the sixth time.
Nonetheless, this new agreement with Inter Miami ensures that his career will continue for at least another 18 months, securing his presence on the pitch during the tournament, which will be held primarily in the United States.
“I expect that within 60–90 days we will finalize this situation. My hope has always been — and everything we’ve done has been aimed at — seeing Messi in our new stadium in 2026,” said Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas.
Messi has not officially signed a new contract yet, but the announcement appears inevitable.