Lionel Messi set to extend contract with Inter Miami
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami during the 2023 season and had agreed to stay till the end of the 2025 campaign.
New Delhi: Lionel Messi is in final stages of negotiation to extend his contract at Major League Soccer side Inter Miami despite the Argentine being linked to other clubs.
Only minor details are left to be finalised, ESPN reports, though no financial figures were quoted.
Once both parties agrees on a deal, the multi-year contract will be submitted to the MLS for final approval.
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has previously said they would do everything in their power to retain Messi and finish his career in South Florida.
The 38-year-old joined the American club during the 2023 season, having agreed to stay till the end of the 2025 campaign.
Serial scorer
The Argentine settled down quickly in the club and have shown keenness to continue that relationship on and off the field, remaining the biggest draw in the MLS.
Weeks into his debut, he lifted Inter Miami to the inaugural 2023 Leagues Cup trophy and since his arrival they have set the league record for most points in a single season and lifted the 2024 Supporters' Shield.
In the ongoing season, he is second in the scoring tally with 20 goals in 21 games, with 11 assists, having amassed 20 goals (tied second) and 16 assists (tied third).
In 36 overall games so far in 2025, he has netted 28 times and set up 14 goals and is their leading goal getter and across all competitions, he has 54 goals in 62 games for the Herons.
With 49 points (14 wins, seven draws and six defeats) Inter Miami are sixth in MLS' Eastern Conference and host DC United on Saturday.
A record eight-time winner of the Ballon d'Or winner, Messi was part of 10 league-title-winning teams in Barcelona and two in Paris Saint-Germain, apart from helping Barca claim the UEFA Champions League trophy four times.
He also spearheaded Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory in 2022 and to Copa American crowns in 2021 and 2024.