Inter Miami plans to name a stand at their new stadium after Lionel Messi, honoring their current star player.

Messi, 38, is widely seen as one of the greatest footballers ever. He joined Inter Miami in 2023 after a highly successful career in Europe with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has become the club’s all-time top scorer with 82 goals and its leading assist provider with 53. This success led the club to take the unusual step of honoring an active player at their 26,700-seat Nu Stadium.

Inter Miami said in a statement that this tribute is different from tradition. Instead of looking back, the club sees it as a way to celebrate the present and the special moments fans enjoy when Messi plays. They added that recognition does not always mean the end of a chapter, but can highlight something remarkable happening right now.

Inter Miami will play its first match at the new stadium against Austin FC on Saturday, April 4.

This is the second time recently that a stand has been named after Messi. In June 2025, his first club, Newell’s Old Boys, gave him the same honor. Messi, who led Argentina to a World Cup win in 2022, also made history last year as the first player in MLS to win back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards.

Messi’s arrival at the club, which is co-owned by David Beckham, has raised Inter Miami’s profile and helped the league gain more attention worldwide. He has also helped the team win major trophies, including the Leagues Cup, the Supporters’ Shield, and MLS Cup.