If you’ve checked the internet in the last few days, you’ve seen it: Lionel Messi is trending. Again.
It’s not just for a miracle free-kick this time. A perfect storm of news about his future, his bank account, and his World Cup plans has made “Messi news” the hottest topic in sports.
So, what’s all the buzz about? We’ve got the full breakdown of why the GOAT is dominating every conversation.
Messi’s New Inter Miami Contract: Locked in Until 2028
First, the big one. Messi has officially signed a massive contract extension with Inter Miami.
This isn’t just a minor add-on. The new deal locks him in with the MLS club through the 2028 season. This is a huge statement, effectively guaranteeing he will spend the rest of his elite career in South Florida. Messi will be 41 when the contract ends.
Why the long extension? It’s all about the future. This move ensures Messi will be the face of the team when they open their spectacular new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, which is scheduled to debut in 2026. This Messi contract silences any rumors of a move elsewhere and solidifies his legacy in Major League Soccer.
The Numbers: Messi’s Salary Tops MLS Highest-Paid List
As soon as the contract news dropped, the next question was obvious: “How much does Messi make?“
Thanks to the newly released 2025 MLS Players Association salary guide, we have the exact answer.
Lionel Messi’s salary is a guaranteed $20.4 million per year.
This figure confirms he is, by an enormous margin, the MLS highest-paid player. To put it in perspective, that’s nearly double the league’s second-highest earner, Son Heung-min at LAFC ($11.1 million).
It’s important to note: this $20.4 million is just his “base” salary from the team. It doesn’t even include his unprecedented profit-sharing agreements with Apple (for MLS Season Pass subscriptions) and Adidas (for merchandise sales). His total Inter Miami salary and earnings are astronomically higher.
Will Messi Play in the 2026 World Cup? Here’s What He Said
This is the question every football fan on earth wants answered. With the World Cup coming to the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026, will Messi be there to defend Argentina’s crown?
In a recent interview, he finally spoke on it.
The good news? He said he “would like to be there.” The passion is still there.
But he was also realistic. Messi, who will be 39 during the tournament, said he will have to “assess… on a day-to-day basis” how his body is feeling and whether he can still compete at 100%. He was clear he won’t go just to be on the roster; he’ll only go if he can be “useful to the group.”
For now, the door for a Messi 2026 World Cup appearance is officially open.
What’s Next? The Inter Miami Playoffs
With his long-term future and finances secured, Messi’s immediate focus is crystal clear: the Inter Miami playoffs. After a dominant season, he is on a mission to deliver the club its very first MLS Cup.
That’s why Messi is trending: he’s secured his future, confirmed his status as a financial powerhouse, and left the door open for one last World Cup run. All in a week’s work.