Lionel Messi awarded key to the city of Miami - ESPN

MIAMI — Lionel Messi received the key to the city of Miami from Mayor Francis Suarez on Wednesday night after speaking at the America Business Forum at Kaseya Center.

«I have had the wish to give this [key] to you for all that you've done for our grand city, our country and the world of football, thank you,» Suarez said.

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Messi joined Inter Miami on July 15, 2023, immediately making history with the club when lifting its first trophy with the inaugural Leagues Cup win days after his debut.

Since then, Messi has inspired Inter Miami to the 2024 Supporters' Shield and set the record for most points in a single MLS campaign.

«I want to share and say something about our Inter Miami captain, our number 10,» Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said. «This is a small gift from this city, which has captured the hearts of all of us.

»This is a welcome not only for you but also for wife Antonela and your beautiful family, so that you can always feel at home here."

Individually, Messi clinched the 2024 MLS MVP and the 2025 Golden Boot and stands as a finalist for the 2025 MLS MVP.

Though Messi's original contract with the club expires at the end of the 2025 campaign, the 38-year-old recently signed a three-year deal to remain in South Florida through the 2028 MLS season.

«Thank you, I feel very honored by this,» Messi said. «It's true that, as I just said, we feel very loved, very grateful, very happy to be living in this city, and to be able to have this distinction for me is a great honor, so thank you.»

The Inter Miami captain previously spoke