Lionel Messi is expected to sign a contract extension soon that would keep him on the Inter Miami roster at least through next season. Negotiations have been going on for months, and club ownership is eager to get a deal done and ensure that the Argentine icon will be on the field for the opening of Miami Freedom Park in early 2026.

Lionel Messi is the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer for the third straight year with total annual compensation of $20.4 million, greater than the entire payroll of 21 teams.

Inter Miami secured around $9.5 million for qualifying for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The club earned an extra $3 million from the group stage after drawing 0-0 against Al Ahly and beating FC Porto 2-1.