Lionel Messi is on course to continue his career with Inter Miami until the end of 2028 Major League Soccer season, with the Argentine superstar now closing in on the historic 1,000-goal milestone.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has already committed his future to the Major League Soccer side after signing a contract extension in October 2025, keeping him at the club for at least another two seasons beyond the current campaign.

The development has renewed attention on how far the 39-year-old could extend his remarkable goalscoring record, having reached 937 career goals for club and country.

Messi needs 63 more goals to become the second player in modern football history to reach 1,000 official senior career goals, following Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of the same landmark.

Contract extension keeps Messi in Miami until 2028

Inter Miami officially announced Messi’s contract extension on October 23, 2025, confirming that the agreement would run through the end of the 2028 MLS season.

The agreement ended months of speculation about the Argentine’s future and represented a major boost for the club as it continued building its sporting project around the former Barcelona captain.

Messi expressed satisfaction with the decision, pointing to his happiness in Miami and his excitement about the club’s ambitions, particularly the prospect of playing at its new home, Miami Freedom Park.

“It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project, which, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality,” he said at the time.

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas also welcomed the agreement, describing Messi’s continued presence as an important part of the club’s ambition to establish itself as a major force in American football.

David Beckham, another co-owner, said the Argentine remained committed to winning and continued to inspire young players through his performances and influence on the game.

The new agreement means Messi could remain with Inter Miami until he is 41, although it does not necessarily mean he will retire immediately when the contract expires.

937 goals and counting

Messi’s pursuit of 1,000 career goals received another boost on November 1 when he scored and provided an assist in Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over New England Revolution.

The Argentine set up Germán Berterame for the equaliser in the 69th minute before scoring the winning goal in the 83rd minute to complete his side’s comeback.

His contribution took his career tally to 937 goals and 428 assists, according to figures reported after the match.

The latest milestone leaves him 63 goals away from reaching the 1,000-goal mark, an achievement that would further distinguish his extraordinary career.

At his current age, maintaining the consistency required to reach that figure will be a significant challenge, but his continued productivity in Major League Soccer has kept the possibility firmly in the conversation.

Messi’s goals have come across spells with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami and Argentina’s national team.

A career defined by records and trophies

The Argentine’s achievements have placed him among the most decorated footballers in the history of the game.

During his 17-year spell with Barcelona’s first team, he scored 672 goals in 778 appearances, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer and winning numerous domestic and continental honours.

His Barcelona career included 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies and seven Copa del Rey titles.

He subsequently moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, winning two Ligue 1 titles before joining Inter Miami in 2023.

At international level, Messi led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, ending the country’s 36-year wait for another world championship.

He had earlier won the 2021 Copa América and added another continental title in 2024.

His individual honours include a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, reflecting his sustained influence at the highest level of football.

Inter Miami and the next chapter

Since arriving in the United States in 2023, Messi has transformed Inter Miami’s profile and contributed significantly to the growth of the club.

He helped the team win its first major trophy, the 2023 Leagues Cup, before leading it to the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield.

He also won the 2024 MLS Most Valuable Player award and claimed the 2025 MLS Golden Boot after scoring 29 goals during the regular season.

Inter Miami’s decision to retain him through 2028 is therefore not only about keeping a prolific goalscorer but also maintaining the global attention and commercial appeal he has brought to the club and the wider MLS.

With the 2026 season approaching its decisive stage, Messi remains central to Inter Miami’s ambitions, while his long-term contract provides an opportunity to continue adding to his records.

For now, the immediate target is the 1,000-goal milestone. With 937 already recorded, the football world will be watching to see whether the Argentine can reach another historic landmark before his playing career comes to an end.