Miami, Florida – October 25, 2025 – Lionel Messi, the 38-year-old Argentine maestro and eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, has solidified his future in Major League Soccer by signing a groundbreaking three-year contract extension with Inter Miami CF, keeping him with the club through the end of the 2028 season. Announced on October 23, the deal not only cements Messi’s role as the face of the franchise but also weaves in unprecedented provisions for his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three young sons—Thiago (11), Mateo (9), and Ciro (7)—ensuring the entire family is fully integrated into the club’s long-term vision. This extension, valued at an estimated $60-75 million annually including endorsements, underscores Messi’s deep-rooted commitment to Miami as more than a temporary stop—it’s the foundation for his retirement and family life.
Messi’s decision to extend stems from a profound sense of belonging that has blossomed since his arrival in July 2023. “Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here,” Messi stated in the official announcement. “We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park.” The new 25,000-seat stadium, set to open in 2026, represents a pivotal milestone, transforming Inter Miami from an expansion team into a global powerhouse. Messi’s presence has already doubled the club’s valuation from $600 million in 2023 to $1.2 billion in 2025, drawing record crowds and elevating MLS’s profile worldwide. On the field, his impact is unmatched: in 2025 alone, he led the league with 29 goals and 19 assists, clinching the Golden Boot, Supporters’ Shield, and his second consecutive MVP award. Despite a first-round playoff exit to Atlanta United in 2024, Messi’s leadership propelled Inter Miami to the best regular-season record in MLS history, with 71 goals and 37 assists across 82 appearances since joining.
At the heart of this extension, however, lies the Messi family’s unparalleled stability. Unlike standard player contracts, this agreement includes bespoke family clauses that will leave even seasoned sports executives in awe. Inter Miami has committed to providing comprehensive support for Antonela and the children, including priority access to elite private schooling at institutions like Ransom Everglades, family relocation assistance to a custom waterfront estate in Sunny Isles Beach, and dedicated wellness programs tailored to the boys’ interests—such as personalized soccer academies and cultural immersion classes blending Argentine heritage with Miami’s vibrant scene. Antonela, a Rosario native and Messi’s childhood sweetheart, has been instrumental in these negotiations, advocating for provisions that allow her to expand her philanthropy through the Leo Messi Foundation’s local chapter, focusing on children’s health in underserved South Florida communities. “This isn’t just about Leo’s career; it’s about building a home where our boys can thrive,” a source close to the family shared. The contract even outlines post-retirement pathways, positioning Messi as a potential club ambassador and youth coach by 2028, ensuring generational ties.
Jorge Mas, Inter Miami’s managing owner, hailed the extension as a “beautiful future for the club and for Lionel.” Co-owner David Beckham echoed this, noting, “We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city… He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win.” MLS Commissioner Don Garber added that Messi’s choice marked a “turning point” for North American soccer, with his global draw boosting attendance by 40% league-wide and inspiring the next generation. As Inter Miami opens its 2025 playoffs against Nashville SC on Friday—where Messi seeks his first MLS Cup—the extension signals ambition: contending for multiple titles while hosting the FIFA Club World Cup in 2026.
For Messi, this is personal legacy-building. After conquering Europe with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, and captaining Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, Miami offers serenity. The family provisions—ranging from Antonela’s involvement in club events to the children’s guaranteed spots in the Inter Miami academy—reflect a holistic approach rare in sports contracts. It’s a blueprint for athlete-family integration, proving that true success extends beyond the pitch. As Messi eyes the 2026 World Cup on U.S. soil, this deal ensures his twilight years are spent not in uncertainty, but in a city that feels like home.
