The future of Lionel Messi had been the subject of constant speculation in recent months, such as his contract with InterMiami would expire at the end of the 2025 season. In that context, the club finally made a long-awaited announcement on Thursday through a video shared on social media, confirming the signing of a new contract with the Argentine star.
The Herons have developed a clear dependence on Messi in recent years, both on and off the pitch. Leo arrived in the summer of 2023 and forever changed the club’s history, making it one of the most powerful teams in the world. Major League Football and one of the most popular in the world.
That’s why the uncertainty surrounding the 38-year-old forward’s future had become such a major issue for them. There were two very different scenarios on the horizon, depending on whether Messi agreed to extend his contract beyond the end of the current season.
Those doubts were dispelled on Thursday InterMiami shared a video on social media of Messi signing a contract. As the camera pulls back, he is seen sitting at a desk in the middle of Miami Freedom Park, the stadium currently under construction.
No words are spoken by Messi during the one-minute video; instead it repeats a slogan: “Freedom 10 Dream.” The message also contains a sentence that accompanies the video: “He’s home,” referring to Messi in what will become Inter Miami’s new stadium.
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When will Inter Miami’s new stadium open?
The 2025 season is expected to be Inter Miami’s last appearance at Chase Stadium. Construction of Miami Freedom Park is progressing quickly and the main part of the work is almost complete as the grandstand structure is almost finished. Remaining tasks are placing the chairs, finishing the changing rooms and of course preparing the playing field.
Given this timeline, it’s likely that the Herons will be ready to debut in the 2026 MLS season and play in their new home – and that will be with Lionel Messi on the team.
“My expectation is that we will see the team’s captain and number 10, Lionel Messi, in the new stadium.” Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas said in April. He did not stop there and also expressed a strong desire for Messi’s future: “We want Messi to finish his career here.”
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Will Messi retire from Inter Miami?
Inter Miami’s brief announcement did not specify the duration of Lionel Messi’s new contract. It will last at least a year, meaning the attacker will be with the Herons during the period FIFA World Cup 2026 and will remain until the end of the MLS season. By then, Leo will be 39 years old and clearly approaching the final stages of his professional career.
However, it is unclear how long he plans to continue playing. If he extends his career further, he will ultimately have to choose between staying in Miami for good or looking for a new destination – with the Argentine league being an unresolved chapter that he himself has acknowledged.
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