A new report indicates that Lionel Messi may extend his contract with Inter Miami, though this has not yet been officially confirmed. Meanwhile, the club has announced the extension of another player.
Inter Miami confirmed on Thursday that defender Noah Allen has signed a contract through the 2028 MLS season, with an option for 2029. Allen played a key role in helping Miami win the Leagues Cup and the Supporters’ Shield, the first two trophies in the club’s history.
Regarding Messi, the Miami Herald has stated that following months of discussions, the Argentine has agreed to a multi-year deal. This could potentially be his final contract as a professional and the announcement may come within the next ten days.
As Inter Miami’s all-time leading scorer, Messi has achieved 20 goals and 11 assists in MLS this season, totaling 28 goals and 13 assists across all competitions in 2025—demonstrating that the 38-year-old still performs strongly on the field.
Lionel Messi celebrates a goal against Seattle Sounders. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Messi’s new contract may include off-field roles
While Messi will ultimately choose when to retire, reports suggest that the 2026 season is likely to be his last as a professional player. His new multi-year contract is expected to include provisions for off-field responsibilities after his playing days.
Inter Miami sees Messi as “an absolutely pivotal figure in the expansion of the project,” according to the Miami Herald. The league, MLS, has also benefited from his impact since his arrival.
In 2020, Messi stated his desire to remain involved in soccer after retirement: “I’ll do something related to football, although not as a coach. I don’t see myself as a manager, but I would like to be a sporting director, and then bring in the players I want,” he noted. Inter Miami is already preparing to make this possible.