Inter Miami Confident of Messi Extension Ahead of 2026 Stadium Move

Lionel Messi’s journey with Inter Miami looks far from over. In a recent interview, club co-owner Jorge Mas revealed that talks are ongoing to extend the Argentine legend’s contract beyond the current MLS season. As the club sets its sights on the future—including a brand new stadium scheduled to open in 2026—Messi remains central to their long-term vision. Fans and analysts alike are already updating their MLS Predictions based on the growing likelihood that the global icon will stay in Miami.

Messi, who joined the club in 2023 after stints at Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona, has already left a significant mark on MLS. He helped Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, netting an astonishing 40 goals in 47 appearances. At 37, the World Cup winner remains a force on the pitch and a magnet for fans, sponsors, and media attention alike.

Mas emphasized that while no deal is finalized, the atmosphere surrounding negotiations is highly positive. “All the stars are aligning for really great things,” he said, hinting at Messi’s potential dual role—both on the field and eventually in an ownership capacity. “He wants to leave a legacy, something his children can be proud of,” Mas added, pointing to Messi’s deeper ties to the club’s future beyond his playing days.

Strategically, keeping Messi in the U.S. through 2026 makes sense for several reasons. Argentina’s national team has already established Miami as a key base for American competitions, and the AFA even opened an office in the city last year. With the U.S. co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, Messi’s presence in MLS positions him perfectly for a final international run.

While some fans still dream of a nostalgic return to Messi’s boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, those hopes may be fading. With Inter Miami planning for the future and Messi deeply integrated into the club’s present, his continued role in Major League Soccer seems increasingly likely. It’s a scenario reshaping MLS Predictions across the board—and one that keeps Miami in the global spotlight.