Lionel Messi is staying in Miami.
The Argentine soccer player dubbed the GOAT - Greatest of All Time - has signed an extension with Inter Miami CF through 2028.
The 38-year-old signed with Miami in July 2023, and his contract was set to expire at the end of this season.
The Herons kick off their post season tomorrow in the first of a best of three game set with Nashville SC.
Inter Miami is set to open its Miami Freedom Park Stadium in 2026.
Messi and team owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham saying in a press release:
“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. Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.
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.” said Messi from the new stadium site.
“We promised our fans that we would dream big to build an iconic club. A club that represents the passion, hard work and dedication of all those that came before us to create a Miami built on dreams, said Inter Miami CF Managing Owner, Jorge Mas. “Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We very much look forward to writing new chapters at our stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Together we will continue building and dreaming.”
“Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done,” said Inter Miami CF Co-Owner, David Beckham. “We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo’s commitment to the city, to the Club, and to the game. He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win. As owners, to have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very lucky.”