Lionel Messi will return to Inter Miami next season and finish his illustrious career in a pink No. 10 uniform.

After lengthy negotiations that dragged on for the past several months, the 38-year-old Argentine legend and Inter Miami have agreed to terms on a new multi-year contract, according to a source with knowledge of the deal. It will be his final contract. An announcement is expected in the next 10 days. 

The news comes six months before the scheduled opening of Miami Freedom Park Stadium, which is under construction at the site of the former Melreese Golf Course near Miami International Airport. Messi also is aiming to help Argentina defend its World Cup title next summer, with the 2026 World Cup being hosted in the United States, Mexico and Canada. 

Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023, and his current contract is due to expire at the end of this season. His annual salary was $20.45 million this season, and the total value of his initial contract was $130 million to $150 million, which includes equity in the club upon the completion of his playing days. 

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has had a massive impact on the club and Major League Soccer, both on and off the field. He has 20 goals and 11 assists in 21 MLS games this season after scoring and assisting in Inter Miami’s victory over the Seattle Sounders on Tuesday. He has 28 goals and 13 assists over all competitions in 2025. 

Last season he was named league MVP after leading Miami to a record-breaking regular season. Before Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami generated revenue of $50-$60 million in 2022, according to the club. It exploded to $120-$130 million in 2023, and this year the club is projected to make close to $300 million. 

MLS attendance, ticket prices for Inter Miami home and road matches, sponsorship deals, and merchandise sales have all seen unprecedented growth since Messi joined the league.

“I lived through the David Beckham years, and there’s the tangible results that he brought, the same with Messi,” said former U.S. great Landon Donovan, now with Fox Sports. 

“But then there’s the anecdotal, there’s just a buzz around MLS because Messi is here. 

There’s a buzz around the country because a player of his stature, who many would argue is possibly the best player that’s ever played the game, and he’s playing here in America, in a league that for decades people have frowned upon and looked down upon. 

“We feel it everywhere we go. My son, every morning, walks out with an Inter Miami Messi jersey, 8 years old, and he’s obsessed with him. And not just because he was playing at Barcelona and for Argentina. 

It’s because now he’s in Miami, and he thinks he has a chance to go see him.” Alexi Lalas, another former U.S. national team player now a Fox Sports commentator, added: “Aside from the goals and the attention and actual money Messi has generated, I think the [MLS] credibility factor is huge, and that’s something that lasts well beyond his time. 

“The more and more players that have an incredible platform, an incredible brand, and an incredible megaphone to be able to shout it to the world, `Yeah! It’s ok! You can make money. 

You can have a great lifestyle. You’re not going to suffer when it comes to the perception of you and your credibility from a national team perspective.’ I hope he has many, many more years here, but I think that can last going forward, and you will see residual impact.”