Lionel Messi set to extend Inter Miami stay, play beyond 2026 World Cup

Inter Miami and Lionel Messi have reached an agreement to extend his contract beyond the 2026 World Cup, according to a source close to the matter who spoke to AFP on Wednesday. The official announcement is expected within two weeks.The contract extension would keep the 38-year-old Argentine superstar in competitive action through the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The deal suggests Messi will conclude his career in Major League Soccer.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. His arrival has revitalized the franchise both on and off the field.Before his MLS move, Messi spent the majority of his career at Barcelona, where he progressed through the youth system. He won 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies between 2004 and 2021.On the international stage, Messi led Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022. He has expressed his desire to defend the trophy in 2026.His impact in MLS has been significant. Messi was named the league's Most Valuable Player in 2024, despite Inter Miami's early playoff exit. In 2025, he continued his exceptional form, becoming the fastest player in MLS history to score 40 goals.The extension ensures Messi will remain the face of MLS during the build-up to the 2026 World Cup, where he could potentially make his final appearance in the tournament.