Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are “close to finalizing” a multi-year contract extension, according to ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano and Moises Llorens.
Both sides are in the “final stages” of the negotiating process and a contract agreement is “expected to be done soon,” per Becherano and Llorens.
Messi initially signed a contract with Miami that ran through the 2025 season in July 2023.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner helped his MLS squad win the 2023 Leagues Cup as well as the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. This year, Messi has recorded 28 goals and 14 assists in 36 games across all competitions with Inter Miami.
Miami co-owner Jorge Mas previously expressed optimism regarding a new extension for Messi in July.
“We wish for Messi to finish his career here,” Mas said, per Becherano. “I said a few months ago that we should have news in the summer about that but hopefully it will be as soon as possible.”
“But I am optimistic because we have done everything possible for Leo to feel at home, to feel comfortable,” he added. “I always said that he is a competitive animal, he wants to win. I hope we can raise many trophies together here at Inter Miami in the coming years.”
While Miami hasn’t hoisted a trophy since its Supporters’ Shield win in 2024 and fell in the first round of last year’s MLS playoffs, it advanced to the 2025 Leagues Cup final before ultimately losing to the Seattle Sounders.
Messi is also surrounded by familiar faces in Miami including former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suárez.
Although the 38-year-old isn’t signed with his current club beyond the 2025 season, that could be changing soon.
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