Messi Extends Inter Miami Deal, Stars in Playoff Win

Lionel Messi signed a three-year extension with Inter Miami through the end of 2028 and received a minor ownership stake as the club prepares to move into Freedom Park. Days after the deal he was presented with the MLS Golden Boot and starred in Miami’s playoff opener vs. Nashville, scoring a diving header and a stoppage-time goal in a 3-1 win and boosting his season totals to about 29 MLS goals (roughly 38–39 across all competitions). Teammates said his renewal has lifted the squad’s motivation, while coach Javier Mascherano downplayed a recent training absence and said the club manages Messi’s workload to avoid unnecessary risk. Club co‑owner David Beckham praised the deal, which has helped raise Inter Miami’s profile and valuation, and Messi said Miami’s lifestyle and his mental and physical health were major factors in extending. Neymar is reportedly weighing a move that could reunite the former Barcelona trio at Inter Miami, and Messi’s participation in the 2026 World Cup remains undecided.