The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and 2022 FIFA World Cup champion confirmed his delight at continuing his American adventure, describing the project as "a dream turned into a beautiful reality."

Speaking from the site of Miami Freedom Park, where the club's new stadium is being built, Messi said: "It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project. Since I arrived in Miami, I've been very happy. We're all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park. It's going to be something very special."

Inter Miami's managing owner Jorge Mas said the extension symbolised the club's ambition.

"We promised our fans that we would dream big to build an iconic club," said Mas. "Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. Together we will continue building and dreaming."

Co-owner David Beckham added: "Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and that's exactly what we have done. Leo is still as committed as ever and continues to inspire the next generation. We feel very lucky to have him."

Since joining in the summer of 2023, Messi has transformed the fortunes of Inter Miami. He inspired them to their first major trophies, the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield, while collecting individual awards including the 2023 Leagues Cup Golden Boot and Best Player honours. His 2024 MLS campaign brought him the Landon Donovan MVP Award after recording 36 goal contributions in just 20 league matches.

Messi followed that up by winning the 2025 MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals, becoming the first player in club history to achieve the feat. In total, he has scored 71 goals and provided 44 assists in 82 appearances across all competitions for Inter Miami, both club records.

Under his leadership, the team also reached the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 and the semi-finals of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.

When Inter Miami move into Miami Freedom Park in 2026, the Argentine forward will lead them into a new era. The 38-year-old remains the most decorated player in football history with 46 major trophies, including four UEFA Champions Leagues, ten La Liga titles, two Ligue 1 titles, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

Messi's personal achievements include a record eight Ballon d'Or awards, six European Golden Shoes and three The Best FIFA Men's Player titles. He also holds numerous records, including the most goals in a calendar year (91 in 2012) and the most goals in Europe's top five leagues (496).

For Argentina, he remains the all-time top scorer and most-capped player, having scored 114 goals in 195 appearances.

Messi's new deal ensures that Inter Miami's dream project, and the MLS, will continue to feature one of football's greatest ever players for at least three more seasons.

Steve Barker praises team resilience after goal-filled victory