Inter Miami have announced they will name a stand at their new stadium after their captain Lionel Messi.
The Herons have played their home matches at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale since their inception in 2020. The stadium was the scene of their MLS Cup triumph in December, which represented their final MLS game at the venue.
The Herons are set to move into the newly built Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida. The first game at the soccer-specific venue is set to be held next Saturday when Javier Mascherano's side takes on Austin FC following the March international break.
Ahead of the stadium's first match, Inter Miami have revealed that Messi will have a stand named after him at the 26,700-capacity venue. The Herons have taken the somewhat unusual step to honour an active player, believing it is right to “recognise” his importance to the club while he is still leading the club on the field.
Inter Miami announce Leo Messi stand
In a statement, Inter Miami said: “Inter Miami CF is excited to announce Leo Messi stand, with our number 10 and captain set to become part of a rare and unique case in global sports: an athlete regularly playing at his home stadium with a stand named in his honour.
“Traditionally, tributes look to the past. They are built from nostalgia. From memory. This one is different. This one is born from the present.
“From what is happening right now. From what you feel every time Leo steps onto the pitch. Recognising someone is not always about closing a chapter. Sometimes it is about realising you are witnessing something unique.
Messi, who also has a stand named after him at Newells Old Boys, has racked up 82 goals and 53 assists in 94 matches since he joined Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023. The 38-year-old has helped the David Beckham-owned franchise win the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, the 2025 Eastern Conference title and the 2025 MLS Cup.
Providing further detail about the stand, Inter Miami said: “Spanning from sections 117-121 in the Lower Bowl and 217 – 223 in the Upper Bowl, the Leo Messi Stand is incorporated into Nu Stadium’s unified seating bowl, guaranteeing fans a unique experience with the best views of the action while enhancing crowd energy to create the best atmosphere in the league.
“Fans within the Leo Messi Stands will receive surprise and delight moments as part of the experience in this special and historic section.”
FGG says: Messi deserves a unique honour
While it may not be common to name stands after active players, Messi is certainly deserving of the recognition for his services to Inter Miami and his contributions to the game of football as the best player to step foot on the pitch.
It will also offer something special to Inter Miami fans, who will have the chance to watch their team from the Leo Messi stand. The announcement only adds to the excitement building around the club ahead of the first game at their new stadium, where Messi and his Inter Miami teammates will be hoping to create more memories.