What happened: Inter Miami CF published a public tribute to Lionel Messi, praising "the values he represents and the greatness with which he has inspired millions, both on and specially off the field." The club closed the message with "Felicidades, Leo," marking a moment of recognition for its talisman.

Why it matters: Messi remains the centerpiece of Inter Miami's project and a primary driver of the club's commercial and competitive rise in MLS. Tributes like this underscore how central his presence is to the franchise's identity heading into the 2026 campaign.

What to watch: Watch for how Inter Miami builds its 2026 regular-season push around Messi and whether the club formalizes any further recognition.