At 37 years old, Lionel Messi is nearing the final chapter of his legendary playing career, now taking place in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. With retirement on the horizon, co-owner Jorge Mas has shared insight into Messi’s long-term future with the club—and it extends beyond the pitch.
Following his historic World Cup triumph in 2022, Messi made headlines the next year by signing with one of MLS‘s youngest franchises. While the decision was reportedly influenced by family and lifestyle preferences, Mas revealed that Messi’s move was also part of a broader vision.
“When Lionel finishes playing, he will be a partner—both mine and my brother’s, as well as David’s (Beckham)—in the club. That was one of the things that really attracted Lionel to our project,” Mas told Fútbol de Primera
“I’m talking about being a shareholder of the club. Owner of the club, shareholder of the club. I believe this will be long-lasting—five years, ten, twenty, thirty,” he added. “As I’ve told him, this is also a project and a legacy he can leave to his children and continue building on his soccer career,” he ended.
Messi’s arrival in MLS has provided a transformative boost to the league, echoing the impact of icons like Pele and David Beckham. Now, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner appears poised to follow Beckham’s path—transitioning from superstar player to an influential figure in the club’s front office and ownership.
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Messi’s potential new deal with Inter Miami
Inter Miami have experienced rapid growth in recent seasons, and Messi has played a central role in that ascent. With his current contract set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, the club is hoping to secure his services for at least one more year. Mas remains optimistic about a renewal.
“I expect that within 60-90 days we’ll have to determine all of this. My hope has always been — and everything we’re doing — is to see Messi play at our new stadium in 2026. Hopefully, that happens,” he said about Messi’s contract situation.
Next season, Inter Miami will move from Chase Stadium to the new Miami Freedom Park, a project that represents the club’s next phase of growth. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the club and Messi are already close to reaching an agreement on an extension—potentially allowing the Argentine legend to continue building his legacy in the United States both on and off the field.
