Inter Miami CF has announced that its highly anticipated new stadium near Miami International Airport will not open until 2026. The delay marks another setback for the project, which has faced numerous hurdles since its inception. The team had previously aimed for a 2025 opening, with owner Jorge Mas stating that the stadium would be ready in time for the 2025 season. However, the team has not provided any reason for the latest delay.
The news adds another layer of uncertainty surrounding the future of Lionel Messi, who joined Inter Miami in July 2023. Messi is currently under contract with the team through 2025, with an option for 2026. However, it remains unclear if he will still be playing for the club when the new stadium finally opens.
The stadium project, known as Miami Freedom Park, has been plagued by legal challenges and logistical issues since its inception. In 2018, the team initially planned to open the stadium by the start of the 2022 season but faced numerous setbacks along the way.
Despite the continued delays, David Beckham, a co-owner of the team, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “Miami Freedom Park is the culmination of years of hard work and a desire to realize a vision and create a lasting legacy for the fans and the community of Miami and South Florida,” Beckham said in a statement. “I’m so happy to see that dream finally coming to life.”
Inter Miami joined Major League Soccer in 2020 and has been playing its home games at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The stadium’s capacity was expanded last year after the arrival of Messi, signaling the club’s commitment to building a competitive team. However, the delay in the opening of the new stadium raises questions about the team’s long-term vision and future plans.
