This represents a singular distinction for the footballer who has claimed the Ballon d’Or award eight times.
Inter Miami has revealed plans to christen a section of their forthcoming new stadium in honor of Lionel Messi.
The Major League Soccer club is poised to relocate to the Nu Stadium in the coming week, with their inaugural home game of the new MLS season scheduled for April 4 against Austin FC. To date, Miami has contested all five of their league fixtures away from their home base this season.
As the imminent debut of their billion-dollar facility approaches, Miami has affirmed its intention to commemorate the player who has secured the Ballon d’Or eight times. This will be done by granting him the distinctive privilege of competing in an arena featuring a section designated with his moniker.
A declaration issued on Friday articulated: “Inter Miami CF is thrilled to unveil the Leo Messi stand, as our number 10 and captain is poised to join a singular and exceptional phenomenon in international athletics: an active competitor habitually performing in his home venue, which features a section bearing his tribute.
“Customarily, accolades are directed towards bygone eras. They are constructed upon sentimentality, rooted in recollection. However, this instance stands apart. It originates from the current moment, from prevailing events, and from the emotions stirred whenever Leo graces the field. Acknowledging an individual does not invariably signify concluding a phase; occasionally, it involves apprehending that one is observing a truly unparalleled occurrence.”
“Introducing: the Leo Messi Stand at Nu Stadium!”
Predictably, Messi has exerted a substantial influence subsequent to his arrival in Miami from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.
Verily, he has led Miami to secure four championship titles, achieving the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, the 2025 Eastern Conference title, and the 2025 MLS Cup.
Messi has netted 82 goals and provided 53 assists over 94 matches spanning all tournaments for Miami, securing the Golden Boot in the MLS during the previous season by contributing 29 goals and 19 assists. He was the inaugural player to claim the MVP accolade in consecutive seasons, having successfully defended the honor in 2025.