MIAMI.- One of the stands of the new stadium Inter Miamiwhich will open in early April, will be named after its star and captain, Lionel Messiannounced this Friday the club of the MLS.
The venue, named Nu Stadium and with capacity for 26,700 spectators, it will open its doors on April 4 in a match between the “Garzas” in the North American League (MLS) against the Austin F.C..
According to Inter Miami, Messi will become “the first athlete in the world to play regularly at home in a stadium with a stand in his honor.”
The “Leo Messi Grandstand” will be located in the East stand and will cover sections 117 to 121 in the lower ring and 217 to 223 in the upper ring.
Its occupants “will enjoy special experiences and surprises designed to make this section a truly unique and historic space,” said the American franchise.
Messi, 38 years old, landed at Inter Miami in mid-2023 when this young club, with only three seasons of history, was at the bottom of the MLS.
In a few weeks, the Argentine star led Miami to the first trophy in its history, the Leagues Cupand last season he guided it to the club’s first MLS title.
Along the way, the former star of Barcelona has individually dominated the MLS, achieving two consecutive MVP (Most Valuable Player) awards in 2024 and 2025 and the Golden Boot from last campaign.
“Born from the present”
“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 on the field,” said Inter Miami when explaining the tribute to the eight-time winner of the Ballon d’Or.
“Recognizing someone is not always about closing a stage. Sometimes, it is about understanding that you are witnessing something unique,” the club said about its captain, who has extended his contract with the ‘Herons’ until 2028.
