Lionel Messi, widely celebrated as one of the greatest soccer players in history, is slated to make his Tampa Bay debut with Inter Miami FC on February 14 at Raymond James Stadium. The 7:30 p.m. showdown against Orlando City SC, announced Monday by the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, promises to be a landmark event for the region and a thrilling spectacle for soccer fans across Florida.
This match will not only mark Messi’s first appearance in Tampa but also the return of Major League Soccer (MLS) to Raymond James Stadium for the first time since 2001. The venue last hosted an MLS match with the now-defunct Tampa Bay Mutiny, one of the league’s inaugural teams.
Messi’s legacy in global soccer is unparalleled. The Argentine superstar cemented his legendary status by leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, a crowning achievement that followed his gold-medal performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He also guided Argentina to consecutive Copa America titles, affirming his status as a transformative player in international soccer.
At 37, Messi’s list of accolades remains unmatched. He has claimed four Champions League titles, led scoring in the prestigious tournament six times, and is an unprecedented eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, awarded to the world’s best footballer. In La Liga, where he spent the majority of his career with FC Barcelona, Messi set records as the all-time leader in goals and assists, further solidifying his influence on the sport.
Messi’s transfer to MLS has undeniably elevated the league’s profile, drawing worldwide attention to American soccer and making Inter Miami one of the most sought-after teams in professional sports. His presence has turned MLS games into marquee events, generating immense excitement and anticipation among fans. This season, Messi dominated MLS with 36 goal contributions and led Inter Miami to the top of the regular-season standings. Inter Miami faces a crucial playoff matchup against Atlanta on Saturday, with fans eagerly awaiting Messi’s next moves.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC to our community,” said Rob Higgins, executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. “The chance to witness a generational talent like Lionel Messi on our home turf is incredibly special. This is an experience that fans will cherish and remember for years to come.”
The February exhibition between Inter Miami and Orlando City will make history as the first MLS game at Raymond James Stadium since September 4, 2001, when the Tampa Bay Mutiny played their final match. This highly anticipated event not only revives MLS in Tampa Bay but also gives the community a unique opportunity to watch one of soccer’s all-time greats perform live on American soil.
