Soccer star Lionel Messi has signed a three-year contract extension with Inter Miami FC that sees him committing to the Florida-based team through 2028—just months after he solidified his commitment to life in the Sunshine State by snapping up four luxurious multimillion-dollar condos.
Messi, 38, initially joined Inter Miami in 2023, just two years after the team was taken over by sporting superstar David Beckham, who is understood to have been instrumental in luring the Argentine legend to the MLS side.
Together, Beckham, 50, and Messi have helped to turn Miami into the soccer capital of the U.S., a status that looks set to continue for the coming years thanks to the latest contract development for the team’s star player.
The news was announced via a video shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, which saw Messi signing his new contract at what will soon be the team’s new home stadium, Miami Freedom Park.
“It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality—playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park.
“Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here. We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park,” he said in a statement.
“We can’t wait for it to be finished—to experience it from the inside, in our new home, and for the fans to enjoy it as well. It’s going to be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium.”
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has frequently expressed his interest in seeing Messi work his magic on the field of Miami Freedom Park when it is completed in 2026.
“We promised our fans that we would dream big to build an iconic club. A club that represents the passion, hard work, and dedication of all those that came before us to create a Miami built on dreams,” Mas said.
“Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We very much look forward to writing new chapters at our stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Together we will continue building and dreaming.”
Beckham also paid tribute to Messi’s skills on the soccer field, voicing his gratitude for the Argentine’s unwavering commitment to his U.S. team.
“Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done,” Beckham said.
“We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo’s commitment to the city, to the club, and to the game. He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win.
“As owners, to have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very lucky.”
While Messi and his teammates eagerly await the construction of their new stadium, the soccer star is also looking ahead to the completion of another, more personal project: four luxury condos that he snapped up inside the Cipriani Residences Miami, a lavish high-rise building that is slated to be finished by 2028.
Messi is understood to have closed on the collection of units in April, according to The Wall Street Journal, which reported that one of the units was sold to the soccer superstar for $7.5 million and comes complete with four bedrooms and sprawls across 3,500 square feet.
The building boasts several amenities, including two lavish pools, a residents-only restaurant, a speakeasy and 24-hour catering services for residents.
Additionally, condo owners will have access to a golf simulator, a screening room, a “state of the art” fitness center, a pickleball court, and a “holistic spa” that boasts its own sauna, as well as multiple treatment rooms.
Until those residences are completed, Messi will still enjoy his fair share of luxury living inside the $10.8 million waterfront compound he purchased in Fort Lauderdale, FL, just months after signing his Inter Miami deal.
The 10,400-square-foot, eight-bedroom dwelling is every bit as sleek and luxurious as you might expect.
Messi’s home is filled with sparkling chandeliers, a cream-and-black color palette, and modern lines. The property is a part of the private neighborhood known as Bay Colony and sits on a cul-de-sac with 170 feet of water frontage.
Designed by Canadian interior decorator Lori Morris, the mansion abounds with upscale finishes and chic glamour. The enormous rooms feature plush textures, pops of gold, and lofty ceilings—even a 27-foot dome in the entryway.
The Italian kitchen alone is worthy of a magazine spread and includes luxe appliances, a gorgeous island, and high-end cabinetry.
Each of the eight bedrooms is its own mini suite, offering privacy and luxury for family members and friends.
Among the home’s other swanky amenities are a fitness room/spa, an entertainment lounge, office space, and a fabulous 1,600-square-foot primary retreat.
Outside, there are two docks for watercraft of any kind, plus a heated pool, and a gorgeous, water-facing patio.
