Messi extended his deal with Miami, which will surely be a boost for the club and league – but what does it mean for him?
So we've finally got the Messi extension news we wanted. The Argentine sticking around in Miami. It gets even better than that, too. A one year extension would have been welcomed. But Messi has signed on for three, extending through 2028. Nicely done, everyone.
There are a few things that need acknowledging here. The first is that this is an immense win for MLS. It's pretty good for soccer in general. It's also massive for Miami, who rely on their star man. But there are larger questions to be asked.
For all of his individual success – presumptive back-to-back MVP awards are hard to argue with – it hasn't translated into much silverware for Miami. They aren't favorites for MLS Cup this year, though they should contend, and will presumably need roster reconstruction going forward.
What can we make of Messi's time in Miami? And what can we expect going forward?
GOAL US writers debate all that and more in the latest edition of… The Rondo.
Getty Images SportWhat's the key takeaway from Messi's extension?
Tom Hindle: An actual dream for the league. They needed this beyond belief. The Messi effect simply cannot be understated. And even if there is widespread frustration that MLS isn't quite getting everything out of him from a marketing POV, as long as he's here, people will care. Miami are probably buzzing that they get him in their new stadium, too. Nicely done, to all parties. Probably the only sad thing here is that this would appear to be the Messi endgame. There's not another contract after this. Welcome to the beginning of the end.
Ryan Tolmich: Great news for the league, and for Miami, who will now waltz into their new stadium with the name of the most famous player on the planet on the marquee. Both the league and the club needed this as they look to build on the momentum certain to be generated by the 2026 World Cup. On the field, we'll have to see how it goes. But in terms of the off-field buzz, this was the best news the league could generate.
Alex Labidou: Although it felt inevitable, it is still massive for both Inter Miami and MLS. The league needs eyeballs in a World Cup year and Inter Miami has a new stadium to fill next season. Both greatly benefit from having Messi in the league, though it is fair to wonder if this means Messi and Miami will exert even more influence over the league.
AdvertisementGettyHow likely is it that Messi will actually play until 2028?
TH: Zero-percent chance (he says with no actual concrete information). The three years is probably to guarantee whatever business benefits come at the end. It would be no surprise to see him retire at the end of 2026. That extra time? Just seems like security.
RT: A lot can change in three years and, because of that, it's hard to see him playing out this full deal. Many believed Messi would step away somewhere around the 2026 World Cup, and there are questions as to whether he'll actually play for Argentina next year. So the thought of him effectively playing through 2028? Unlikely. If it happens, thought, great, because the league and American soccer would surely benefit. But at some point, the man will probably just want to ride off into the sunset and spend more time with family.
AL: In any other circumstance, offering a three-year extension to a 38-year-old will be nonsensical. But this is Messi we’re talking about. At 40 or 41, he could probably still better Diego Luna’s numbers in the league. That’s not a diss to the Real Salt Lake star, it's just reality. Mess is the greatest player the world has ever seen from a skill point of view, and he’s vastly ahead of anyone currently playing in MLS.
Getty Images SportWhat's the biggest positive from his MLS tenure?
TH: Eyeballs, competition, and the fact that the best of all time is playing in this league. Genuinely think about it; we may never see another footballer this good. It is a privilege for American soccer to have him around. MLS has boasted about its 3.7 million weekly viewers worldwide. A good chunk of those are because of Leo. It's probably a good thing, too, that Messi has started some chatter about how the league can function long term. The hatred of Miami by fans of other teams, ironically, might lead to some change here.
RT: The eyeballs are obvious. But the real positive is that it has ignited some debate about this league and where it's going. Even with the likeable Messi, Miami has become something of a supervillain for this league. And as it turns out, people like tuning into that type of thing. Let this all serve as a reminder to MLS that, in the end, fans care about quality, star-power and, ultimately, storylines more than parity. MLS should probably adjust league rules accordingly.
AL: Messi is probably the first big-time DP signing whose production has outmatched his hype. He has scored 50 goals in 53 appearances and has also been the league’s best playmaker. In a league in which fans saw Thierry Henry, David Beckham and Steven Gerrard all past their best, Messi brings world-class moments to the pitch almost every night. He’s not here to sell shirts, and he genuinely appears frustrated when his team isn’t lifting trophies.
Getty Images SportWhat's the biggest criticism?
TH: Can we please get over this spokesperson thing? Messi signed for Miami because he wanted to play in Miami, for the club. He did not sign for MLS, and doesn't really owe the league anything. Should he have showed up to the All-Star game? Probably. But it's hard to begrudge him for not talking to the media every day. He didn't before and he shouldn't have to now. There isn't anything meaningful to criticize.
RT: Actually, it is just that – his total lack of participation as a spokesperson for the league. Yes, Messi is a big star, but you know who else was? Beckham, Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. They all spoke after every game, did all of the appearances and helped prop up the league even when, in truth, they didn't really want to. Messi has done none of that. In some ways, it's his prerogative. And there's no denying that he's more introverted than those other global stars. That said, it would be nice if he spoke to media or participated in any of the other events and moments that other MLS stars have made themselves available for.
AL: Messi, the ambassador for MLS, has a lot to be desired. He’s participated in only a handful of media opportunities. This is the greatest player to ever play, and obviously the best in MLS. Fans want to hear from him, get his thoughts on playing in North America, the quality of the league and his future. And he’s been very quiet. While that might not be a big deal in Europe, where Messi spent the majority of his career, it is massive for MLS as it competes for interest with other American sports leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL. Fans of those sports get insights daily from their favorite players. Beckham single-handedly changed the perception of MLS when he arrived. That hasn’t been the case since Messi joined this league.