Inter Miami name part of new stadium after Leo Messi in unprecedented tribute
Inter Miami name part of new stadium after Leo Messi in unprecedented tribute Inter Miami have announced that a stand at their new stadium will be named after Lionel Messi, marking a rare honour for a player who is still actively competing. The club confirmed that the east stand at their new home will officially be known as the “Leo Messi Stand”. The unveiling is scheduled to take place when Inter Miami play Austin FC on April 4.
That fixture will also mark the first official match at the club’s new stadium, Miami Freedom Park. Inter Miami described the tribute as an acknowledgement of Messi’s extraordinary influence since arriving at the club. The club said the naming of the stand represents a “rare and unique case” in world sport.
Messi will therefore become one of the few active players to have part of their home stadium named in their honour. In a statement, the club explained the reasoning behind the decision. “Recognising someone is not always about closing a chapter,” the statement read.
“Sometimes it is about realising you are witnessing something unique. ” The Leo Messi Stand will occupy the east side of the stadium. It will include sections 117 to 121 in the lower tier and sections 217 to 223 in the upper tier.
Inter Miami’s new stadium has a capacity of approximately 26,700 supporters. The venue forms part of the wider Miami Freedom Park development, which will serve as the club’s long-term home. Earlier this month the club confirmed that the stadium will carry the commercial name Nu Stadium after a naming-rights agreement with Nubank.