Hogan Lovells assists Inter Miami on Messi contract extension

Hogan Lovells has advised Inter Miami on Lionel Messi’s contract extension, which will see the superstar footballer stay at the club until the end of the 2028 season.

The new three-year agreement follows Messi's blockbuster move to Miami in 2023, which transformed the profile of the American league. Hogan Lovells also advised the club on the initial transfer, while Skadden guided Messi.

Behind the deal

Financial terms of the new contract were not disclosed, but Messi's first deal with Miami was reportedly worth $60 million per year and over $150 million in total and included an equity stake upon retirement.

Inter Miami has quickly become one of the MLS’s most prominent franchises since playing its first season in 2020. Since Messi’s arrival, the team - co-owned by Jorge Mas, José Mas, and David Beckham - has claimed its first two trophies and is preparing to open its new $1 billion Freedom Park stadium in 2026.

Since its founding, Inter Miami has also attracted backing from private capital heavyweight Ares Management, which invested $150 million in 2021 and a further $75 million following Messi’s signing.

Bigger picture

Big Law firms are increasingly active on high-profile deals in professional sports.

In June, Travers Smith advised Florian Wirtz and his family on his £116 million transfer to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen - the biggest in Premier League history.

Meanwhile, Latham & Watkins advised on the takeover of Rangers FC by a consortium led by the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers in May, and on a new investment into Brentford FC by filmmaker Matthew Vaughn and former Autoglass CEO Gary Lubner in July.

Proskauer, Morrison Foerster and Sidley Austin advised on the sale of a £190 million stake in Crystal Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson in June.

Advising

Hogan Lovells advised Inter Miami, with a team led by Denver-based media and entertainment partners Mark Kurtenbach and Chris Weigand.