Lionel Messi is set to end his professional career at Inter Miami with an announcement expected within the next 10 days.
The Argentine legend and the Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise are in the closing stages of finalizing a multi-year contract. Messi arrived in Miami in June 2023 on a contract that will take him to the end of the 2025 MLS season.
Once agreed upon by the two parties, the contract will be sent to the MLS for final approval, ESPN reported. It is being said that it will be Messi’s final contract before he hangs up his boots.
Inter Miami is co-owned by former England captain David Beckham, the Mas brothers Jorge and Jose, and Ares Management as a preferred equity investor.
There had been some speculation about interest from some other leagues, but both Inter Miami and Messi have expressed their desire to continue their relationship, which has reaped benefits both in on-field results and raising the profile of the franchise.
Messi took Inter Miami to the inaugural Leagues Cup trophy just a few weeks after his debut for the team. Since his arrival, Miami have set the league record for most points in a single season and clinched the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.
In 2025, Messi has played 36 games for the franchise so far and managed 28 goals and 14 assists in all competitions. He is the team’s leading goal-scorer. He was adjudged the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) last season.
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On the financial side of matters as well, the impact of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been huge, for the franchise as well as the MLS as a whole.
Inter Miami had generated revenue of $50-$60 million in 2022, and the figure ballooned to $120-$130 million in the subsequent year, and this year the franchise is projected to make close to $300 million. MLS attendance, ticket prices for Inter Miami matches home and away, sponsorship deals and merchandise sales have all seen considerable growth over the last couple of years. Having arguably the greatest football player ever has also been great for the profile and credibility of the MLS.
Messi’s annual salary is said to be $20.45 million this season, and the total value of his initial contract was $130 million to $150 million, including equity in the club upon the completion of his playing career.
Messi, who had a long and stellar career with Barcelona, with whom he won four UEFA Champions League titles, before bidding a tearful farewell and moving to Paris Saint-Germain from 2021 to 2023, will also have his sights on defending the FIFA World Cup next year in North America.
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