Inter Miami and Lionel Messi are finalizing a multi-year contract extension, which would keep the soccer legend in Herons pink for the foreseeable future.

MIAMI, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Inter Miami and Lionel Messi are finalizing a multi-year contract extension, which would keep the soccer legend in Herons pink for the foreseeable future.

Sources told ESPN, USA Today and the Miami Herald on Wednesday that Messi is set to sign with the Herons for at least two more seasons. Negotiations for the deal are ongoing. Once finalized, the pact will be sent to MLS for final approval.

Messi initially signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Herons in 2023. That deal, valued between $130 million and $150 million extended through the 2025 campaign and includes equity in the franchise after his playing career.

His new agreement should keep him with the team through the opening of their new Miami-based stadium -- Miami Freedom Park -- which is set to open next year.

Messi, 38, logged 28 goals and 14 assists over 36 competitions for the Herons in 2025. The 2024 MLS MVP is the Herons' all-time leader in goals (62) and assists (29). Messi also led the Herons to the 2023 Leagues Cup title and the best regular-season in MLS history -- and Supporters' Shield -- in 2024, but has yet to lead the club to an MLS Cup.

The Herons (14-6-7) sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, one point behind fourth-place Nashville SC and New York City FC, with seven games remaining on their regular-season schedule.

Messi's 20 goals over 21 games this season trail only Nashville's Sam Surridge, who netted 21 over his first 30 appearances. His 11 assists are tied for sixth-most in MLS.

The Herons will host 14th-place DC United (5-15-10) at 7:30 p.m. EDT Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.