David Beckham, co-owner of Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami, revealed progress on the team’s new $1 billion stadium at Miami Freedom Park, sharing images of the construction site on Instagram. This development arrives as talks about Lionel Messi contract extension with Inter Miami intensify ahead of the superstar’s 2025 contract expiration.

Beckham, pictured with his family and donning a hard hat and safety vest inside the stadium, emphasized the project’s significance to the club’s future by highlighting the realization of their shared vision with fellow owners Jorge and Jose Mas.

“Our beautiful new home is taking shape. For me, Jorge and Jose Mas our dream for our club is becoming a reality. Miami Freedom Park… coming soon.”

—David Beckham, Inter Miami Co-owner

Details on stadium construction and community impact

The groundbreaking for the stadium started in August 2023, marking a fully privately funded initiative by Inter Miami’s ownership group. With costs estimated at an impressive $1 billion, the facility is planned to accommodate 25,000 fans and serve as the centerpiece of the Miami Freedom Park development.

The project extends beyond just the stadium, promising broad community benefits including the creation of approximately 15,000 direct and indirect jobs and the establishment of Miami’s largest park, reinforcing the team’s commitment to local growth and development.

Although the stadium is scheduled for completion by 2026, it will not be ready to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when games in Miami will instead take place at the nearby Hard Rock Stadium. That venue is also home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and hosts prestigious events like the Miami Grand Prix and Miami Open tennis competition.

Urgent focus on securing Messi’s future with Inter Miami

With the stadium’s completion aligning closely with the end of Lionel Messi’s current contract at Inter Miami, the club’s management is eager to finalize an extension to retain their marquee player at the new home ground. Messi’s contract runs through the end of 2025, and negotiations to extend his stay have been ongoing since November of the previous year.

Co-owner Jorge Mas publicly expressed optimism in April about reaching an agreement soon, aiming for a resolution within 60 to 90 days. However, negotiations appear to have slowed down as both Messi and the club focus on competing in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Inter Miami’s mixed performances amid ongoing challenges

Inter Miami got off to a cautious start in the Club World Cup, drawing 0-0 with Egyptian team Al-Ahly. The result owed much to goalkeeper Oscar Ustari’s crucial penalty save in the first half and the defensive efforts that kept Lionel Messi’s late attempt at goal from converting.

Despite leading the MLS in scoring with 36 goals, Inter Miami’s defensive struggles have shown, conceding 27 goals—more than some lower-ranked Eastern Conference teams. The squad currently sits sixth in the MLS Eastern Conference, accumulating 29 points from 16 games under former Liverpool and Barcelona star Javier Mascherano’s management.

The next challenge for Inter Miami in the Club World Cup is a match against Portuguese champions Porto in Atlanta, where their performance will be closely watched as an indicator of the team’s prospects while contract negotiations unfold.

Significance of the new stadium and Messi talks for Inter Miami’s future

The unveiling of the Miami Freedom Park stadium represents a milestone in Inter Miami’s development, symbolizing its ambition to become a major force in American and international soccer. The substantial investment reflects confidence in the club’s long-term potential to attract top talent and engage the local community.

Securing Lionel Messi’s future with the club remains pivotal, as his presence will dramatically influence the team’s performance, fan engagement, and commercial opportunities going forward. The conclusion of these contract talks will play a critical role in shaping Inter Miami’s identity as it prepares to transition into its new home at the state-of-the-art stadium.