Khaberni - The Argentine star Lionel Messi has decided his future with the American club Inter Miami by renewing his contract for 3 years until 2028, confirming that his decision was not difficult, "but it was easy".
The 38-year-old Argentine star recently announced the extension of his contract, which was set to end next December, confirming his commitment to continue his career in the American league until the end of the new contract.
Club owner Jorge Mas said: "Renewing Messi's contract until 2028 is a tribute to our amazing city. We are excited to write new chapters in our history at Miami Freedom Park."
His partner in ownership, David Beckham, added: "We brought the best player in history to our city, which reflects our commitment to Miami, as well as Leo’s commitment to the club, the city, and American soccer."
In an interview with NBC News, Messi explained the motivations behind his decision to stay: "I always decide based on my physical and mental feelings. I feel good and happy living in Miami, as does my family, and that made the decision easy."
The announcement comes after Inter Miami's 3-1 win over Nashville in the playoffs, in a season where Messi continues his remarkable performance by scoring 29 goals in 28 matches, making him the leading scorer and one of the top candidates to retain the title of the best player in the American league.
Financially, the contract guarantees Messi a fixed annual income of about 11 million euros, with performance bonuses that could bring the total income to about 17 million euros annually, according to Foot Mercato website.
The contract not only covers the sports aspect, as Messi continues to benefit from his commercial partnerships with Apple and Adidas, where he earns a portion of the profits from a broadcasting rights agreement owned by Apple worth 215 million euros.
Messi also holds a small stake in the club's ownership since joining in 2023, which makes extending the contract of strategic importance beyond the field, as the Argentine star represents a key element in the project to develop American soccer and its global image.
This extension also represents a step towards Messi's future after retirement, as the player seeks to establish his position in the "Miami Freedom Park" project as a player, investor, and global ambassador for sports and business.
The club, founded by David Beckham, plans to make Messi a permanent symbol of the Inter Miami brand on the sports, marketing, and institutional levels.
This decision comes as the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, approaches. Messi didn't hide his desire to participate for the sixth time in his career, saying: "It's close, yet at the same time far away. This date still represents a major motivation for me."
