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March 27, 2026 11:21 am EDT
Inter Miami has announced that the east stand of its new stadium has been named after Lionel Messi.
Miami’s first game at the Nu Stadium will be on April 4 against Austin FC and the club announced on Friday this will also be the official unveiling of the “Leo Messi Stand”.
The MLS club said the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will become a “rare and unique case” in world sport by having a stand at his home stadium named after him while still an active player.
“Recognizing someone is not always about closing a chapter. Sometimes it is about realizing you are witnessing something unique,” a club statement read.
The Leo Messi Stand will be located in the east section of the Nu Stadium, consisting of sections 117 to 121 in the lower bowl and 217 to 223 in the upper bowl.
Miami, whose first season came in 2020, announced in 2024 that it would play its home games at the 26,700-capacity Miami Freedom Park stadium from 2026. A naming rights partner, Nubank, was confirmed earlier this month.
Miami’s previous ground, Chase Bank stadium, seated 21,550 and was situated around 33 miles away.
Messi, 38, signed for Miami in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain and agreed a contract extension through the 2028 season in April. He has registered 82 goals and 53 assists, leading the club’s all-time standings for each.
The Argentina international has won the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield and the 2025 MLS Cup with the side. He also won the golden boot and his second MVP award in 2025, adding to his first the year before.
Miami is third in the Eastern Conference after five games, three points off top spot with three wins.
The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Inter Miami and LA Galaxy were interested in signing Casemiro after his departure from Manchester United in the summer.
Mar 28, 2026
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