Lionel Messi Receives Miami’s Key to City

Lionel Messi, a football legend, was honoured with a special honour by Miami Mayor Francis Suarez at the Kaseya Center on Wednesday as an appreciation of his remarkable contribution to the city, the United States, and the world football community.

During a heartfelt time, the Mayor Suarez gave Messi the Key to the City, appreciating the Argentine legend to change the sporting culture of Miami and motivate millions of people.

I have longed to give this [key] to you to show my gratitude to the effort you have put in our great city, our nation and the football world. Thanks, Suarez, thank you,” Suarez said at the ceremony.

Messi has turned the fortunes of the club since he joined in July 2023. He was able to lead the team to the first trophy in its history, the Leagues Cup, only several weeks after his arrival, and then to the 2024 Supporters Shield. During his reign, Miami established a record of the highest number of points in one season of the MLS.

In 2022, the 36-year-old star renewed his contract with the club one more time by signing a 3-year extension that guaranteed him to play at the club until 2028 in the MLS.

Messi has also received a series of individual awards including the 2024 MLS MVP, the 2025 Golden Boot and being nominated as a finalist in the 2025 MLS MVP award.

The gesture was defined by the inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas as a little present to show that the city loved Messi, who has captured the hearts of everyone in Miami.