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

**Messi Inter Miami Stand: Club Renames Section After Star Forward During Active Career**

James Okafor | GlobalBeat

Inter Miami renamed a stadium stand after Argentine forward Lionel Messi while he remains an active player, a move the club called unprecedented for active athletes.

The rechristened “Messi Stand” occupies the east side section of Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, the club announced.

Sports venues traditionally honor retired athletes through jersey retirements or statue placements, making in-stadium section naming for active players extremely rare.

The 36-year-old World Cup winner joined Inter Miami in July 2023, leading the team to their first trophy with the Leagues Cup championship later that summer. He scored 10 goals in 7 matches during that tournament run, according to Major League Soccer statistics. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player has appeared in 14 matches total for the Florida-based franchise across all competitions.

“Naming a stand after an active player breaks standard protocol across professional sports globally,” Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas told reporters during Wednesday’s announcement. The ceremony included unveiling new burgundy and pink signage bearing Messi’s name and number 10 across the 3,400-seat section.

Inter Miami attendance has risen 54% since Messi’s arrival, averaging 21,000 fans per match compared to 13,700 in 2022, club data showed. Season ticket sales increased from 14,000 to 20,000 holders during the same period.

Team coach Gerardo Martino said the honor reflects Messi’s impact beyond on-field performance. “His presence transformed how opponents approach matches against us and how fans experience games,” Martino said at the announcement. Martino previously coached Messi at Barcelona and with Argentina’s national team.

The stadium section previously called “East Stand” will feature Messi branding through at least 2025 under the current naming agreement terms, according to club officials. No financial details were disclosed regarding the arrangement.

Major League Soccer operates under single-entity structure where players sign contracts with the league rather than individual teams. This structure allows franchises flexibility in negotiating personal services contracts with star players, enabling unique arrangements like stadium naming rights.

Miami-Dade County, which partially funded Chase Stadium renovations through $60 million in bonds, approved the signage changes in a 8-3 county commission vote last week. Commissioner René García voted in favor, saying “Messi’s economic impact on local businesses exceeds $200 million annually based on tourism revenue increases.”

Comparisons to other active player honors remain limited. NBA teams cannot retire jerseys for active players under league rules. NFL teams occasionally rename practice facilities or training centers during player careers, but not stadium sections. European soccer clubs typically wait until retirement for such honors.

The Argentine’s contract with Inter Miami runs through 2025 with an option for 2026. He earns between $50-60 million annually through combined salary and commercial agreements with Apple TV and Adidas, according to multiple reports.

**Background**

Inter Miami began MLS play in 2020 as an expansion franchise owned by David Beckham and partners including Mas and the Kraft family. The team played its first 3 seasons at temporary venues before moving to Chase Stadium, formerly called DRV PNK Stadium, in 2022.

The 21,000-seat facility opened in 2019 as part of broader development around Lockhart Stadium site in Fort Lauderdale. The complex includes training facilities, youth academy fields, and commercial space. Miami-Dade County contributed $60 million toward the project while private investors provided additional funding.

MLS attendance growth correlates strongly with marquee player signings throughout league history. David Beckham’s 2007 arrival at LA Galaxy doubled that team’s attendance and television ratings. Toronto FC’s acquisition of Italian international Sebastian Giovinco in 2015 increased season ticket sales by 70%. Atlanta United set MLS attendance records averaging 53,000 fans per match during Josef Martínez’s peak years from 2017-2019.

**What’s Next**

Inter Miami opens their 2024 MLS regular season February 21 against Real Salt Lake with all 21,000 tickets sold since October. The team will host 17 regular season matches plus potential playoff games at Chase Stadium, with Messi Stand seats commanding premiums of 40% above standard pricing.