Miami: Lionel Messi is set to remain in Major League Soccer (MLS) beyond next year’s World Cup after Inter Miami reportedly agreed to extend the Argentine superstar’s contract, according to a source close to the club.

The extension will allow the 38-year-old forward to continue playing competitively through and after the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament kicks off on June 11, with the final scheduled at MetLife Stadium on July 19.

Messi’s previous deal was set to expire at the end of 2025 following the MLS season. An official announcement is expected within the next two weeks, with the extension potentially confirming that Messi will end his illustrious career in the MLS.

Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 following an unfulfilling stint at Paris Saint-Germain. However, the bulk of his career was spent at Barcelona, where he played from 2004 to 2021 after progressing through the club’s youth system. During his time at Barcelona, Messi won 10 La Liga titles and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy four times.

In 2022, Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar and has expressed his desire to defend the trophy next year. He has scored 114 international goals and has also won the Copa America twice, in 2021 and 2024.

Next year’s World Cup could mark Messi’s sixth appearance, setting a new record, though he could be matched by long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is also three goals shy of Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals.

Argentina qualified comfortably for the 2026 finals, finishing nine points clear at the top of the South American qualifying table. Messi was the top scorer in qualifying, netting eight goals, including a brace in what may have been his final home match against Venezuela two weeks ago.

In MLS, Messi was named Most Valuable Player in 2024, despite Inter Miami being eliminated in the playoffs. In 2025, he became the fastest player in league history to reach 40 goals.

Inter Miami currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, with multiple games in hand on rivals due to their participation in the Club World Cup, where they were defeated 4-0 in the round of 16 by Paris Saint-Germain. The team also lost 3-0 to Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup final earlier this month.