Messi to have a stand named after him at Inter Miami’s new stadium | OneFootball

The captain of the Argentina national team will be honored by the Florida club, just as he was recognized by Newell’s in mid-2025.

Inter Miami decided to immortalize Lionel Messi in its new home with a unique gesture. The club confirmed that one of the stands at Nu Stadium, the new stadium the team will have and which is currently under construction, will bear the name of the captain of the Argentina national team, who is still active and remains the team’s biggest star.

The announcement came through an emotional video shared on social media, with a message full of symbolism: “First, the talent scouts were named after him. Then, thousands of things were named after him. Jerseys, flags, murals, trophies, newborns, skin, bows, fantasies, prayers, hugs, tears, shouts. And from today, and forever, this stand will bear his name.”

The so-called Leo Messi Stand will be located in the stadium’s east stand. According to the club, the section will cover several areas in both the lower and upper tiers, forming a central part of the design of the new venue in Florida.

Club officials stressed the unique nature of the tribute, which breaks with traditional logic: “Traditionally, tributes look to the past. They are built from nostalgia. From memory. This one is different. It is born from the present. From what is happening right now. From what you feel every time Leo steps onto the field.”

The official opening will be on April 4, when the stadium makes its debut against Austin FC in MLS. They also said that fans seated in that section will enjoy special experiences and exclusive surprises to enhance the atmosphere at every match. The recognition also reflects the Argentine’s impact since his arrival in 2023. With him, the team won its first titles and raised its competitive level, while also boosting the visibility of soccer in the United States.

In numerical terms, his influence has been overwhelming both collectively and individually. La Pulga was key to winning multiple trophies and established himself as the central figure, piling up goals, assists, and awards within the league. Beyond the achievements, the club highlighted what he generates every time he steps onto the pitch. The decision to dedicate a stand to him is a response to the phenomenon he creates among fans and the growth he has driven within the franchise.

The new stadium, which will open its doors shortly, aims to position itself as an international benchmark. In that context, the Leo Messi Stand appears as one of the major attractions of a project with lofty ambitions within MLS. Just as Inter Miami is honoring him with a stand, Newell’s had already done so in mid-2025 with the Lionel Andrés Messi Stand.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.