Lionel Messi received the key to the city of Miami from Mayor Francis Suarez on Wednesday evening, recognizing the Argentine star’s transformative impact on the city, Major League Soccer, and the global football landscape. The ceremony followed Messi’s appearance at the America Business Forum held at the Kaseya Center.
“I have had the wish to give this [key] to you for all that you’ve done for our grand city, our country, and the world of football,” Suarez said while presenting the honor.
Messi, 38, joined Inter Miami on July 15, 2023, and made an immediate impact, leading the club to its first-ever trophy with the Leagues Cup just weeks after his debut. Since then, he has guided the team to the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and set a league record for most points in a single MLS campaign.
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas praised Messi’s influence both on and off the pitch. “This is a small gift from this city, which has captured the hearts of all of us,” Mas said. “This is a welcome not only for you but also for your wife Antonela and your family, so that you can always feel at home here.”
Messi expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “I feel very honored by this. We feel very loved, very grateful, and very happy to be living in this city. To receive this distinction is a great honor.”
Since arriving in South Florida, Messi has collected the 2024 MLS MVP award, the 2025 Golden Boot, and is again shortlisted for the 2025 MLS MVP. His original contract with Inter Miami was due to expire in 2025, but he recently agreed to a three-year extension that will keep him at the club through the 2028 season.
Reflecting on his career transitions, Messi spoke about the challenges of leaving Barcelona and adapting to new environments, first in Paris and later in Miami. “The first time we moved to Paris was tough because we’d lived our whole lives in Barcelona,” he said. “But after I arrived in Miami, it was spectacular. Living in this city is incredible, and the welcome I’ve received has been amazing since day one.”
Messi’s remarks came as Inter Miami announced a major milestone in the construction of its new stadium near Miami International Airport, with the final canopy beams now being installed.
“I’m very happy to continue here,” Messi said. “I’m really looking forward to the new stadium being completed so we can play there.”
Inter Miami will host Nashville SC on Saturday in the deciding match of their best-of-three Round 1 playoff series at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
