Are Inter Miami too reliant on Lionel Messi? (2:31)The ‘Futbol Americas’ crew react to Inter Miami’s 2-1 defeat to Nashville SC in the MLS. (2:31)
MIAMI — Lionel Messi received the key to the city of Miami from Mayor Francis Suarez on Wednesday night after speaking at the American Business Forum at Kaseya Center.
“I have had the wish to give this [key] to you for all that you’ve done for our grand city [of Miami], our country and the world of football, thank you,” said Suarez.
Messi joined Inter Miami on July 15, 2023, immediately making history with the club when lifting its first trophy with the inaugural Leagues Cup trophy days after his debut.
Since then, Messi has inspired Inter Miami to the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and set the record for most points in a single MLS campaign.
Individually, Messi clinched the 2024 MLS MVP, the 2025 Golden Boot and stands as a finalist for the 2025 MLS MVP.
Though Messi’s original contract with the club expires at the end of the 2025 campaign, the 38-year-old recently signed a three-year deal to remain in South Florida through the 2028 MLS season.
“Thank you, I feel very honored by this, it’s true that as I just said we feel very loved, very grateful, very happy to be living in this city and to be able to have this distinction for me is a great honor, so thank you,” said Messi.
“Well, the truth is that the first time we moved to Paris was tough because we’d lived our whole lives in Barcelona,” he said. “We were very happy there — family, the kids, we had everything. We grew up there.
“Imagine, I left when I was 13; that’s my whole life. My wife arrived in the city for the first time when she was 20 or 21. And well, it’s never easy to adjust and adapt. But the truth is, we settled in well, the kids too, in their daily lives, just like my wife.
“It was a family decision; we decided to pursue my professional career in Miami,” Messi added. “I think that means a lot — choosing where you want to be and being able to do it makes things so much easier.
“And after I arrived in Miami, it was spectacular. Living in this city for the first time is incredible. And then there’s the way everyone has been since day one. The first day was amazing, and today is just another example of the welcome I feel.”
Messi spoke on the same day that Inter Miami announced that its new stadium near Miami International Airport is reaching a major construction milestone — with the final beams for the stadium canopy being raised.
“I’m happy in this place, so I’m very happy to continue,” he said. “I’m really anxious, really looking forward to it being finished, to be able to play here.”
Are Inter Miami too reliant on Lionel Messi? (2:31)The ‘Futbol Americas’ crew react to Inter Miami’s 2-1 defeat to Nashville SC in the MLS. (2:31)
– Miami’s Suárez banned for kicking Nashville’s Nájar – Last Dance: Playoffs will define the MLS legacy of Inter Miami’s Fantastic Four – Miami boss: We must ‘swallow pain’ of playoff loss
Following a two-year stint with PSG, Messi announced his shocking move to Inter Miami.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
The ‘Futbol Americas’ crew react to Inter Miami’s 2-1 defeat to Nashville SC in the MLS. (2:31)