Lionel Messi, an Argentine football star, has officially signed a new contract with Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami. This ends weeks of uncertainty over whether he would return to Europe before the FIFA World Cup 2026.
On Thursday, Inter Miami confirmed the news with a post on X (previously Twitter) that showed Messi signing the deal. The video, called “Forever 10 Dream” and with the slogan “HE’S HOME,” was the formal proclamation of his renewed devotion to the club.
HE’S HOME. pic.twitter.com/AUMJJYR5pF
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 23, 2025
Fabrizio Romano, a well-known football journalist, said that Messi had signed a three-year contract after reaching a verbal agreement last week. The deal’s financial parameters have not been made public.
Romano stated, “Three-year contract signed after a verbal agreement was made last week—Messi has put pen to paper.”
Speculations About a Return to Europe End
There have been rumors in the past few months that Messi would join with Napoli in Serie A, especially because he is still playing at his best. But his most recent deal with Inter Miami puts an end to all the rumors. It confirms that the 38-year-old superstar would stay in the United States until the next World Cup cycle.
Messi first joined Inter Miami in July 2023, not long after he led Argentina to victory at the World Cup in Qatar. His entrance changed American soccer in many ways, both on and off the field.
“Messi Mania” Makes MLS Boom
Since Messi joined the MLS, the league has seen record-breaking growth in viewership, attendance, and business. Forbes says that Inter Miami’s value has gone up to about $1.2 billion, making it the second-most valuable team in the league.
The “Messi effect,” sometimes known as “Messi Mania,” has led to record sales of jerseys, more people wanting to buy tickets, and more people around the world being interested in the MLS.
The Future of Inter Miami and the 2026 World Cup
Inter Miami is getting ready to move to its new home, the Miami Freedom Park, a privately funded stadium complex with 25,000 seats, before the 2026 MLS season. The time is great because Messi just signed a new contract and the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Miami will host several World Cup matches, which will let Messi keep playing at the greatest level while being near to one of the tournament’s main locations.
The new deal makes Messi the leader of Inter Miami and the sport’s ambassador in North America.