Inter Miami CF recently announced that they will be playing at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, through the 2025 Major League Soccer season. However, the club has now shifted their focus to debut at the new venue, Miami Freedom Park, in 2026. Despite previous claims that the new stadium would be ready for the 2025 campaign, the club confirmed in emails to fans that the upcoming season would be the “final season” in Fort Lauderdale.
The message sent to fans regarding season-ticket membership renewal and waitlist stated, “The 2025 Season is expected to be our FINAL season here at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale before moving to the new stadium in Miami.” It also expressed excitement for the fans to continue supporting the team as they strive for a playoff push.
Amidst the announcement of the stadium transition, some fans have expressed dissatisfaction over a second price increase to season tickets since the arrival of Argentine star Lionel Messi in the summer of 2023, as well as the delay of the new stadium. Season ticket holder Morgan Guigon, who has been with Inter Miami since 2020, stated, “2025 was widely advertised as the year the team would move to Miami Freedom Park and has been used as a ‘benefit’ of season tickets since the inaugural year – ‘first in line’ for Miami Freedom Park tickets.”
Another fan pointed out the inconsistency in ticket prices based on Messi’s presence in matches, saying, “Messi has missed more than half of Inter Miami’s matches this season. The value of tickets drops by over 85% in matches he misses. Inter Miami logic: let’s raise prices again for no reason whatsoever.”
As Inter Miami aims for a 2026 opening at Miami Freedom Park, there is speculation regarding Lionel Messi’s future at the club. Messi’s current contract with the MLS team expires at the end of 2025, raising questions about whether he will extend his stay in South Florida. Construction on the 25,000-seat Miami Freedom Park began in August 2023, with the club’s managing owner, Jorge Mas, expressing excitement for the new state-of-the-art stadium.
In an interview, Mas previously mentioned the fast-tracking of the stadium’s completion, targeting a summer or early fall 2025 opening. However, with Messi’s contract ending at the same time, it remains unclear if fans will get to see the football legend play at the new venue.
Despite the off-field developments, Inter Miami has shown positive signs on the field, currently topping the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings after 25 games. After missing the playoffs last season, the team has made significant progress this year and is looking to capitalize on their successful run for the remainder of the season.
The transition from Chase Stadium to Miami Freedom Park marks a significant chapter in Inter Miami CF’s history. While fans have raised concerns about ticket pricing and Messi’s future, the club remains focused on building a competitive team and providing an enhanced matchday experience at the new stadium. As the 2026 opening approaches, both the club and the fans eagerly await the next phase of Inter Miami’s journey in Major League Soccer.
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