Inter Miami will honour captain Lionel Messi by naming a stand at their new stadium after the Argentine superstar, a rare tribute for an active player.
A spectator stand at Inter Miami’s new stadium will be named in honour of captain Lionel Messi. The Major League Soccer franchise announced the tribute on Friday.
The club’s new 26,700-seat arena, to be known as Nu Stadium, will include the “Leo Messi Stand” for its inaugural game on April 4. Inter Miami said the tribute is a rare case in global sports.
“An athlete regularly playing at his home stadium with a stand named in his honor,” the club stated.
Nu Stadium is a permanent replacement for the club’s temporary home at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The club has played there since joining MLS in 2020.
Messi joined Inter Miami three years ago, transforming the club’s fortunes. He led them to four trophies, including the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2025 MLS Cup.
The club said naming the stand after the 38-year-old reflects his ongoing impact. “Traditionally, tributes look to the past. They are built from nostalgia. From memory,” Inter Miami said.
“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.”
The statement added that recognising someone is not always about closing a chapter. “Sometimes it is about realizing you are witnessing something unique.”
