Inter Miami name part of new stadium after Leo Messi in unprecedented tribute | OneFootball

Inter Miami have announced that a stand at their new stadium will be named after Lionel Messi, marking a rare honour for a player who is still actively competing.

The club confirmed that the east stand at their new home will officially be known as the ‘Leo Messi Stand’.

The unveiling is scheduled to take place when Miami play Austin FC on April 4. That fixture will also mark the first official match at the club’s new stadium, Miami Freedom Park.

Miami described the tribute as an acknowledgement of Messi’s extraordinary influence since arriving at the club.

The club said the naming of the stand represents a ‘rare and unique case’ in world sport.

Messi will become one of the few active players to have part of their home stadium named in their honour.

In a statement, the club explained the reasoning behind the decision.

“Recognising someone is not always about closing a chapter,” the statement read. “Sometimes it is about realising you are witnessing something unique.”

The Leo Messi Stand will occupy the east side of the stadium. It will include sections 117 to 121 in the lower tier and sections 217 to 223 in the upper tier.

Miami’s new stadium has a capacity of approximately 26,700 supporters.

The venue forms part of the wider Miami Freedom Park development, which will serve as the club’s long-term home.

The club recently confirmed that the stadium will be called the Nu Stadium after a naming-rights agreement with Nubank.

Miami previously played their home matches at Chase Stadium. That ground had a capacity of 21,550 and was located roughly 33 miles from the new stadium.

Messi joined Miami in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. Since arriving in Major League Soccer, the Argentina captain has transformed the club’s global profile.

The 38-year-old has bagged 82 goals and 53 assists for the team. Those totals place him at the top of Miami’s all-time goalscoring and assist charts.

Messi has also led the club to several major honours during his time in the United States. Miami won the Leagues Cup in 2023 shortly after his arrival.

They followed that success with the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and the MLS Cup in 2025.

Messi claimed the league’s Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player award in 2025.

Miami currently sit near the top of the Eastern Conference standings. The club hope the opening of their new stadium will mark the start of another successful era with Messi still leading the team.