Lionel Messi gets stand named after him at Inter Miami's stadium while still playing: ‘A rare case in global sports’

Inter Miami have named a stand in their stadium after captain Lionel Messi, who is still playing for the club.

Published on: Mar 27, 2026, 21:13:56 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Inter Miami announced that a stand in their home stadium will be named after Lionel Messi. In an official press release, the MLS club 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 honor."

Inter Miami have named a stand after Lionel Messi. (Getty Images via AFP)

Messi arrived in the MLS in the summer of 2023. Since joining, he has become the club captain. He has led them to historic first four trophies by winning the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield, the 2025 Eastern Conference title and the 2025 MLS Cup.

Also Read: Lionel Messi’s FIFA World Cup participation unclear as Argentina head coach says ‘it’s not my decision’

Since arriving in MLS, he has won the 2025 MLS Golden Boot and has been named the MLS Most Valuable Player in both 2024 and 2025, becoming the first player in league history to win the award in consecutive seasons.

He is also the all-time leader both in goals and assists, amassing 82 goals and 53 assists in 94 appearances across all competitions to date.

The official Miami release further added, "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. We present to you: the Leo Messi Stand at Nu Stadium!"

The release further added, "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."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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