MIAMI — On Wednesday night, Lionel Messi was honored with the key to the city of Miami by Mayor Francis Suarez during the America Business Forum held at Kaseya Center.
“I have long wanted to present you with this [key] for all you have contributed to our magnificent city, our nation, and the world of soccer. Thank you,” Suarez expressed.
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Messi joined Inter Miami on July 15, 2023, instantly making history by leading the club to its first trophy with a victory in the inaugural Leagues Cup just days after his arrival.
Since his debut, Messi has propelled Inter Miami to the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and achieved the record for the most points in a single MLS season.
“I want to take a moment to talk about our Inter Miami captain, our number 10,” remarked Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas. “This key is a small token of appreciation from this city, which has won all of our hearts.”
“This is a warm welcome not just for you, but also for your wife Antonela and your lovely family, so you can always feel at home here.”
Individually, Messi secured the 2024 MLS MVP and the 2025 Golden Boot and is a finalist for the 2025 MLS MVP award.
Although Messi’s initial contract with the club is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, the 38-year-old recently signed a three-year extension to continue playing in South Florida until the end of the 2028 MLS season.
“Thank you; I feel truly honored,” Messi said. “As I mentioned, we feel a lot of love, gratitude, and happiness living in this city. Receiving this honor is incredibly meaningful to me, so thank you.”
The Inter Miami captain recently reflected on his challenging departure from Barcelona, illustrating the struggles of transitioning first to Paris with Paris Saint-Germain before ultimately moving to MLS.
“The truth is, my first move to Paris was tough because we had spent our entire lives in Barcelona,” he shared. “We were very happy there – family, the kids, we had everything. We grew up there.”
“Imagine, I left at 13, which comprises my whole life. My wife arrived in the city for the first time when she was 20 or 21. Adjusting and adapting was never easy. But we settled in well, as did the kids, just like my wife.”
“As I’ve stated before, I wasn’t enjoying myself in terms of football and daily life, partly due to the significant changes and unfamiliarity.”
After spending two years with PSG, Messi made the surprising decision to join Inter Miami.
“That choice was a family decision; we agreed to pursue my professional career in Miami,” Messi explained. “Being able to choose where you want to be and actually doing it makes everything much simpler.”
“Since arriving in Miami, it’s been spectacular. Experiencing this city for the first time has been incredible, and the welcoming atmosphere from everyone has been consistent from day one, exemplified just today.”
Messi’s remarks coincided with Inter Miami’s announcement that their new stadium near Miami International Airport has reached a significant construction milestone with the final beams of the stadium canopy being raised.
“I’m happy here, and I’m really excited to continue,” he stated. “I can’t wait to see the stadium finished and play here.”
Inter Miami is set to face Nashville SC in the final game of their best-of-three Round 1 playoff series on Saturday night at their current venue, Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
This report includes information from The Associated Press.