With Inter Miami set to open a new stadium and the 2026 World Cup approach, Messi’s impact on the field is only a small portion of the story.

MLS commissioner Don Garber boldly claimed that Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi has “reset the trajectory” of the league. By some metrics, Messi’s arrival has coincided with a downward trend.Garber struck a confident tone as he presented the Argentine captain with his Golden Boot award after 29 goals in the regular MLS season on Friday night.

Lionel Messi makes MLS history again with a monumental achievement. Discover the impressive new record he shattered with Inter Miami.

Messi was named a finalist for the MVP award Thursday along with Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga, San Diego’s Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Cincinnati’s Evander and Nashville’s Sam Surridge. The award is expected to be handed out before the MLS Cup final on Dec. 6.

The Danish midfielder was the joint leader in assists and tallied 19 goals. San Diego's 63 points were also a record for an MLS expansion franchise. The club claimed the top seed in the Western Conference, owning the tiebreaker over the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Reports had come out earlier this year that the two sides had been working toward an extension that would keep Messi in Miami.

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has penned a heartfelt message for Lionel Messi after the Argentine GOAT shut down speculation about his future by signing a new three-year contract with the MLS outfit.

Lionel Messi has agreed to a new contract with Inter Miami, ensuring he stays with the team as they move to a new stadium next year.

MLS averaged 3.7 million live match viewers a week in 2025, the league said Thursday as Lionel Messi led jersey sales for the third straight season.