Lionel Messi has put pen to paper on a new Inter Miami contract.

Messi has signed a two-year contract extension with the Herons through the 2028 MLS season, the club announced Thursday. Inter Miami announced the news on the site of their long-awaited new stadium, Miami Freedom Park.

It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality, playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park,” Messi said in a statement.

“Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here,” he added. “We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park. We can’t wait for it to be finished, to experience it from the inside, in our new home, and for the fans to enjoy it as well. It’s going to be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium.”

Messi has starred in MLS since joining the club, winning the 2024 MLS MVP and the 2025 MLS Golden Boot. He has also been nominated for the 2025 MLS MVP award after scoring 29 goals in 28 league appearances.

Overall, Messi has tallied 51 goals and 36 assists in 56 MLS appearances over his two-and-a-half seasons in the United States. He helped the Herons win the Leagues Cup in 2023 and lift Supporters’ Shield in 2024.

Inter Miami will hope Messi can help them make a run to MLS Cup this fall, starting with Friday’s playoff opener vs. Nashville SC.