Construction of the new home for Inter Miami is being delayed, making the opening of Miami Freedom Park not until 2026. This means that Leo Messi will not appear in the pink kit at the new arena, as his contract with the club expires in 2025. However, this could change with the possible activation of a clause in his contract and if further delays can be avoided.

One-year delay

When work began on August 29, 2023 on the site where Miami Freedom Park Stadium is to be built, Inter assured that the new arena would be ready in the summer or early autumn of 2025.

Meanwhile, the club - as reported by ESPN - has announced to fans that the team will play at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale for one more year. Proper work has not yet begun, and there is still no heavy equipment on site. The only thing that has been done in almost a year is to smooth the ground and prepare the ground for construction.

In addition to this, the club has announced another increase in ticket prices, the second since Leo Messi's arrival in 2023. Although Inter assured in a communication sent out to pass holders that those who renew their passes this season would be given priority passes for the inaugural season at Miami Freedom Park, the news poured the bitter end.

Messi did not play in a significant number of last season's games, significantly reducing the attractiveness of those matches for the public who want to be enchanted by his magic. More expensive tickets, having to commute 42 km to matches and Leo Messi's low number of appearances are too much for many fans.

© Inter Miami CF

The decisive clause

The delay calls into question Leo Messi's presence at the inaugural Miami Freedom Park. The Argentinian star’s contract expires at the end of 2025, but there is a clause in his contract that allows for a one-year extension. However, it is by no means certain that Messi will activate the clause, making it a possibility that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will not grace the inauguration of Miami Freedom Park.

Leo Messi's arrival at Inter Miami CF in the summer of 2023 was the best that could happen to American soccer and especially to his new club. Overnight, the previously unknown team became one of the most searched keywords on the internet and the pink jersey became recognisable in all corners of the world.

Miami's new stadium was set to witness the former FC Barcelona star's genius through the 2025 season, with plans for a capacity of 25,000 and will feature both a single-level grandstand with standing room for the most ardent fans and a roof-hung balcony that will house a VIP area. A hotel, offices, shops and a football academy will be built next to the facility.

© Inter Miami CF