Lionel Messi attended the global finals of the 1v1 soccer tournament he helped create on Friday, but did not comment on his future with Inter Miami.
The Inter Miami star is close to finalizing a contract extension that would keep him with the Major League Soccer club at least through the 2026 season. The deal, which has been in the works for months, would also coincide with the club’s new stadium opening near Miami International Airport next year.
Messi watched the men’s and women’s semifinals and finals of the event, greeted winners on stage, signed autographs, and even took a large group selfie with fans. He only spoke privately to his team about the tournament, with interviews later shared with the media.
“It is really so nice to see and to share this opportunity providing a platform for the game that is 1v1,” Messi said.
When asked about Messi’s contract extension, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said he is optimistic. “I hope it happens soon, because it’s great news not only for the club but for MLS,” Mascherano said. He added that having one of the world’s best players in the U.S. for a longer period would be very important for soccer in the country.
Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, has not confirmed whether he will play in next year’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
This season, the 38-year-old Messi has scored 20 goals and provided 11 assists in MLS play, making him the league’s second-highest scorer. He joined Inter Miami in July 2023 on a 2½-year contract reportedly worth $150 million and was named MLS MVP last season, despite missing 15 matches due to injuries or national team duty.
Messi has helped Inter Miami win its first two trophies: the 2023 Leagues Cup and the Supporters’ Shield for the best regular-season record.
Inter Miami will face D.C. United on Saturday. The team is currently sixth in the Eastern Conference, eight points behind first-place Philadelphia but with three games in hand, keeping them in contention for top playoff positions and the Supporters’ Shield.