Lionel Messi Honored with Key to Miami by Mayor Suarez

MIAMI — On Wednesday night, Lionel Messi was presented with the key to the city of Miami by Mayor Francis Suarez during the America Business Forum held at the Kaseya Center.

“It has been my aspiration to present this [key] to you for all that you have contributed to our great city, our nation, and the world of football. Thank you,” said Mayor Suarez.

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Messi joined Inter Miami on July 15, 2023, making history as he lifted the club’s inaugural trophy—the Leagues Cup—just days after his debut. Since then, he has led Inter Miami to secure the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and set a record for the most points in a single MLS season.

“I would like to say a few words about our Inter Miami captain, our number 10,” said Jorge Mas, co-owner of Inter Miami. “This is a modest token from our city, which has captured 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.”

On an individual level, Messi earned the 2024 MLS MVP award and the 2025 Golden Boot, and he is currently a finalist for the 2025 MLS MVP as well. Although his initial contract with the club was set to expire at the end of the 2025 season, the 38-year-old recently signed an extension to stay in South Florida through the 2028 MLS season.

“Thank you, I am truly honored by this recognition,” Messi remarked. “As I mentioned, we feel incredibly loved, grateful, and happy living in this city. Receiving this distinction is a tremendous honor, so thank you.”

Messi previously addressed the challenges he faced when transitioning from Barcelona, outlining the difficulties he encountered moving from Spain to France with Paris Saint-Germain before joining MLS.

“The truth is, moving to Paris was a challenge because we had spent our entire lives in Barcelona. We were very happy there—family, the children, everything was set. We grew up there. I left when I was 13; that’s my entire life. My wife first arrived in the city in her early twenties. Adjusting was not easy, but we managed to settle in, including the kids,” he shared. “However, as I have often said, I was not enjoying my football and daily life for numerous reasons, partly due to the newness and the differences from what I was accustomed to.”

After a two-year stint with PSG, Messi made the surprising decision to join Inter Miami.

“It was a family decision; we chose to pursue my professional career in Miami. That choice carries significant weight—selecting where you want to be makes everything easier. Ever since I arrived in Miami, it has been nothing short of spectacular. Living in this city for the first time is incredible, and the warmth from everyone has been overwhelming since day one. Today is yet another example of the welcome I have received here,” he added.

On the same day, Inter Miami announced that significant construction milestones have been reached for their new stadium near Miami International Airport, with the final beams for the canopy being raised.

“I am happy in this place, and I look forward to continuing my journey here. I am truly excited to see the stadium completed and to play here,” Messi concluded.

Inter Miami is gearing up to face Nashville SC in the final game of their best-of-three Round 1 playoff series on Saturday night at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.