Inter Miami CF is making a bold statement. The team is honoring captain Lionel Messi with a stand at the team's new stadium while he continues to contribute on the pitch.
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According to a press release, the Nu Stadium will now feature the Leo Messi Stand. This will cover Sections 117-121 in the Lower Bowl and 217-223 in the Upper Bowl. It will provide fans in these sections with what Inter Miami calls the best views of the action.
Additionally, these fans "will receive surprise and delight moments as part of the experience in this special and historic section." These fans will get the first experience on April 4 as Inter Miami opens Nu Stadium with a match against Austin FC.
Inter Miami CF makes this move as Messi continues in his fourth season with the team. He has started and appeared in four matches while accounting for four goals as the team has continued its defense of the MLS Cup championship.
Messi, the longtime star for Barcelona, joined Inter Miami CF for the 2023 season. He has remained on the roster ever since while becoming the club's all-time leader in goals (82) and assists (53).
Since moving to Inter Miami, the veteran player has helped the club win the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield, the 2025 Eastern Conference title, and the 2025 MLS Cup. He won the 2025 MLS Golden Boot by accounting for 29 goals and 19 assists.
Messi also made MLS history in 2024 and 2025 by becoming the first player to win MVP in consecutive seasons.
"Traditionally, tributes look to the past," Inter Miami CF said in a press release. "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. Recognizing someone is not always about closing a chapter. Sometimes it is about realizing you are witnessing something unique."
