It’s a unique honour for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Inter Miami have announced that a stand at their soon-to-be opened stadium will be named after Lionel Messi.
The MLS side are set to move into the Nu Stadium next week, with their first home game of the new MLS season set for April 4 against Austin FC. Miami have played all five of their MLS games so far this season away from home.
With the opening of their $1bn home on the horizon, Miami have confirmed they will pay tribute to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner by affording him the honour of playing at a venue with a stand bearing his name.
A statement released on Friday read: “Inter Miami CF is excited to announce Leo Messi stand, with our number 10 and captain set to become part of a rare and unique case in global sports: an athlete regularly playing at his home stadium with a stand named in his honour.
“Traditionally, tributes look to the past. They are built from nostalgia. From memory. This one is different. This one is born from the present. From what is happening right now. From what you feel every time Leo steps onto the pitch. Recognising someone is not always about closing a chapter. Sometimes it is about realising you are witnessing something unique.
“We present to you: the Leo Messi Stand at Nu Stadium!”
Messi has unsurprisingly made a huge impact since joining Miami from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.
Indeed, he has captained Miami to four trophies, delivering the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, the 2025 Eastern Conference title and the 2025 MLS Cup.
Messi has scored 82 goals and 53 assists in 94 appearances across all competitions for Miami, winning the Golden Boot in MLS last season with 29 goals and 19 assists. He became the first player to win the MVP award in back-to-back seasons as he retained the trophy in 2025.
