Inter Miami’s New Stadium Project Delayed Until 2026

Inter Miami announced that the opening of their new stadium, near Miami International Airport, has been delayed until 2026. Initially targeted for a 2025 opening, legal challenges and logistical issues caused the setbacks. The team joined Major League Soccer in 2020 and currently plays in Fort Lauderdale.

Inter Miami revealed Wednesday that it will not open a long-awaited, oft-delayed new stadium near Miami International Airport until 2026.

Previously, Jorge Mas, one of the team's owners, expressed hopes of a 2025 opening. The team's announcement did not explain why the timeline changed.

Legal challenges and various logistical issues caused numerous delays; back in 2018, the team had hoped to debut at the Miami stadium by the 2022 season.

"Miami Freedom Park is the culmination of years of hard work and a desire to realize a vision and create a lasting legacy for the fans and the community of Miami and South Florida," said David Beckham, part of the team's ownership group. "I'm so happy to see that dream finally coming to life."

The team joined Major League Soccer in 2020 and currently plays in a stadium in Fort Lauderdale, which expanded its capacity last year after Lionel Messi signed with the club.

It remains uncertain if Messi will ever play in the new stadium as he is under contract with Inter Miami through 2025, with an option for 2026.

(With inputs from agencies.)