Lionel Messi's contract with Inter Miami may be extended through 2026

Lionel Messi propelled Inter Miami to a 3-2 victory over DC United, contributing to all three goals with a first-half assist and two second-half goals. He now leads the Golden Boot race with 22 goals. Reports suggest Messi is nearing a contract ex...

By ET Online | Sep 21, 2025, 10.35 AM IST

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, right, vies with D.C. United midfielder Gabriel Pirani for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match.

Lionel Messi played a direct role in all three goals as Inter Miami secured a 3-2 victory against DC United in a Major League Soccer match on Saturday night. The Argentine assisted the first goal in the first half and scored two goals in the second half, including the go-ahead goal in the 66th minute and a late insurance goal in the 85th minute. Messi now has 22 goals this season, one more than Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge in the race for the Golden Boot Award.

Messi close to contract extension with Inter Miami

An NDTV report suggests Messi is close to signing a contract extension that would keep him at Inter Miami until 2026. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has expressed his desire to see Messi play in the club’s new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, expected to open next year. The team also features players like Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, adding to Messi’s support at the club.

Inter Miami vs DC United match highlights

Defender Jordi Alba recorded his 10th assist of the season on Messi’s first goal, while Sergio Busquets notched his seventh assist for Messi’s two second-half goals. First-year midfielder Tadeo Allende scored his eighth goal with an assist from Messi in the 35th minute, giving Inter Miami a 1-0 lead at halftime. This marked Messi’s 12th assist of the season, tied for fourth-most in the league.

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DC United equalized in the 53rd minute when Christian Benteke scored off a pass from Brandon Servania. Benteke has nine goals this season and 47 in his career. Servania recorded his third assist, matching his career high. DC United narrowed the score to 3-2 during stoppage time through Jacob Murrell’s second goal of the season, with assists from Benteke and Rida Zouhir.

Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made four saves for Inter Miami, now 15-6-7 in the season, in his 22nd start. Luis Barraza also made four saves for DC United, who stand at 5-16-10.

Inter Miami, currently fifth in the Eastern Conference, will face fourth-place New York City FC at Citi Field on Wednesday, trailing by one point with two matches in hand.