Inter Miami has officially announced the renewal of Lionel Messi’s contract until 2028, a deal that extends the Argentine superstar’s stay in Major League Soccer for at least three more seasons. With this new agreement, Messi would reach the age of 41 by the end of his stint in the MLS — a number that naturally raises the question: are we witnessing the last contract of his legendary career?

What does this new Inter Miami deal include?

Messi has found much more than just a team in Miami. Since his arrival in 2023, he has turned the MLS into a global media phenomenon, driving unprecedented growth in attendance, merchandise sales, and TV audiences.

The new contract, which guarantees his stay until 2028, also includes several off-field benefits: a potential ownership stake in the club, continued partnerships with Adidas and Apple, and an expanded role as a global ambassador for the Inter Miami brand.

It’s a deal that reflects long-term planning — Messi won’t just be a player, but also a face and symbol of the project led by David Beckham and the club’s ownership group.

Could this be his final professional chapter?

All signs point to yes. Messi has repeatedly stated that he doesn’t see himself playing far beyond the age of 40, and this extension would mark a natural conclusion to his professional journey. By then, he will have completed over 25 years as a top-level footballer — an unprecedented feat for an outfield player.

Still, Messi has left the door slightly open, saying he would continue “if the body and the mind allow it.” His future will likely depend more on physical readiness than ambition.

A farewell worthy of his legacy

After a career that includes four Champions League titles, ten LaLiga trophies, two Copa América wins, and a FIFA World Cup, Messi now enters what could be the final chapter with the same mindset as always: to compete and inspire.

His renewal with Inter Miami is more than just continuity — it represents the start of his legacy beyond the pitch, helping shape the future of a league that has embraced him as its ultimate global icon.

Everything suggests this will be the last great contract of his storied career — a farewell on his own terms, in a place and project he has helped transform forever.