Messi agrees with Inter Miami to renew his contract beyond 2026.

Arabian Sea Newspaper - Special

Arab Gulf_AFP: World champion Argentinian Lionel Messi and his team Inter Miami of the United States have reached an agreement to renew the contract of the eight-time world's best player, which may enable him to end his career in the North American Football League, according to sources close to the negotiations who spoke to Agence France-Presse on Wednesday-Thursday night. The renewal will ensure that the thirty-eight-year-old continues his career with Inter Miami during the 2026 World Cup in North America. Preparations have begun for the official announcement, which is likely to take place within the next two weeks, according to these sources. Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023, after an unproductive stint with Paris Saint-Germain of France, on a two-and-a-half-year contract until the end of 2025. He played a major role in improving Miami's results, winning the Leagues Cup title weeks after his arrival. The team scored the most points in the American League and won the Supporters' Shield. In 2025, Messi played 36 games with Inter Miami, scoring 28 goals and 14 assists in various competitions, including the CONCACAF Champions League, the Club World Cup, the American League and the Leagues Cup. He is currently his team's top scorer. Club co-owner Jorge Mas had previously said that Inter Miami would do everything possible to ensure that Messi's contract is renewed and that he retires in South Florida. Messi is one of the greatest players football has ever produced, and has achieved remarkable feats, especially with his former team Barcelona of Spain and his national team. In addition to his eight Ballon d'Or awards, he has won the Spanish League title ten times, the Champions League four times, and the French League title twice, while he won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with his country, where he wore the captain's armband, as well as the 2021 and 2024 Copa América.