Inter Miami open Nu Stadium with Messi stand | OneFootball

Inter Miami open their new permanent home on Saturday, set to bring matchday and commercial revenues in line with NFL and NBA franchises, and featuring a stand dedicated to Lionel Messi.

The MLS Cup holders host Austin in its first match of matchweek six.

Named Nu Stadium for sponsorship, it holds 26,700 and sits by Miami International Airport. It anchors the 53-hectare Miami Freedom Park, whose wider development continues. Sportico reports the club entered 2026 as MLS's most valuable at 1.45 billion dollars.

The club expect gate receipts to rise by more than 30 percent compared with last year at temporary Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. That venue held around 21,000, and Nu Stadium includes luxury suites overlooking the players' tunnel.

Beyond tickets and merchandise, the new ground is expected to host concerts and other shows. The pitch, stands and lighting are ready for the opener.

The ground also features the Leo Messi tribune, an unusual honour for an active player. His name appears in white on pink with number 10 signage.

Since arriving in summer 2023, Messi has underpinned Inter Miami's surge on and off it. With him, they have lifted the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters' Shield in 2024 and the MLS Cup in 2025.

Founded in 2018 by David Beckham and local businessmen Jorge and José Mas, the club played its first official match in 2020. Saturday ends a six-year wait for a permanent home.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo