Inter Miami to Name Stadium Stand After Messi
Lionel Messi is set to be honoured by his club Inter Miami CF with a stadium stand named after him at their new home ground.
The 38-year-old forward, widely seen as one of football’s greatest players, joined the Major League Soccer side in 2023 after a successful career in Europe with FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Since arriving in the United States, Messi has made a huge impact, becoming Inter Miami’s all-time top scorer with 82 goals and leading assist provider with 53.
The club’s decision to name a stand after an active player is unusual, especially at their new 26,700-capacity stadium, known as Nu Stadium.
In a statement, Inter Miami explained that the tribute is about celebrating what Messi is achieving now, rather than waiting until the end of his career.
“Recognising someone is not always about the past,” the club said. “Sometimes it is about appreciating something special as it happens.”
Inter Miami are expected to play their first match at the new stadium against Austin FC on April 4.
This is the second time Messi has received such an honour in recent years. In 2025, Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys, where he played as a youngster, also named a stand after him.
Messi, who captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has also enjoyed success in MLS. Last season, he became the first player in league history to win back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards.
His arrival at Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, has boosted both the club’s profile and the popularity of the league, while also bringing silverware including the Leagues Cup, Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup.
