Soccer superstar, 2022 World Cup champion and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi will be plying his trade in Miami, playing for David Beckham’s Inter Miami CF with his first game scheduled for July 21st. The June announcement will see the legend swap the nearly 50,000 Parc Princes seater stadium of Paris’ PSG for Inter Miami’s comparatively humble 18,000 temporary DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The shock announcement, which saw Messi turn down a $1.6 billion offer over three years to play in Saudi Arabia, has caused a frenzy in Miami, with a tourism expected to explode around the superstar’s arrival.
Here are some prime places to visit if you plan to visit Miami to see Messi in action.
Everglades National Park
A world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest subtropical wilderness in the US, the Everglades National Park is home to diverse wildlife such as alligators, panthers, manatees, and flamingos. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, and airboat tours. Th is a great change of pace before heading to Fort Lauderdale for a soccer game.
Wynwood Walls
A vibrant street art haven featuring colorful murals by local and international artists. The surrounding neighborhood also offers galleries, cafes, bars, and shops.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Enjoy some solitude and culture before the Messi mayhem in the stadium. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a beautiful Italian Renaissance-style villa and estate built by industrialist James Deering in the early 20th century. The museum showcases his European art and furniture collection, while the gardens feature fountains, sculptures, and exotic plants.
Restaurants
Joe’s Stone Crab
A Miami Beach institution since 1913, this is classic Miami cuisine. Fresh stone crabs, seafood dishes, and key lime pie have patrons waiting around the block as reservations are not accepted. Don’t worry; it’s worth the wait.
Versailles Restaurant
Have your tastebuds dancing a conga like with world famous Cuban cuisine such as ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, croquetas and pastelitos. The restaurant is known for its lively atmosphere and a window for locals to sip coffee and discuss Messi’s upcoming game.
Zuma
Japanese food with a twist in Downtown Miami overlooking the Miami River. Feast on sushi, sashimi, robata grill, and signature dishes such as spicy beef tenderloin with sesame and red chili.
Nightlife
LIV
The world-famous home for EDM’s finest DJs, live performances, and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system at the legendary Miami Beach hotel, The Fontainebleau, make this a must-visit if you don’t want your Miami Messi party to stop.
Ball & Chain
Once a historic jazz club in Little Havana, dating back to the 1930s, these days, the club hosts live music every night, ranging from salsa to rock to hip hop. There’s also a tropical patio with a pineapple-shaped stage and a tapas menu.
The Wharf
Located in Miami’s downtown waterfront, The Wharf is an open-air venue featuring food trucks, bars, live music, and DJs. The space also hosts special events such as brunch parties, happy hours, and themed nights.
Shopping
Lincoln Road Mall
A pedestrian-only shopping street in Miami Beach where you’ll find boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries. It also hosts a farmers market on Sundays and an antique market on Saturdays.
Bayside Marketplace
With over 150 shops, if you’re pressed for time, this waterfront shopping center in downtown Miami features restaurants and entertainment and is a great catch-all to get a lot done without driving long distances. The marketplace also has a marina where visitors can take boat tours or rent jet skis.
Dolphin Mall
Flying in for the game and need to make a pit stop for shopping? This large outlet near Miami International Airport features over 240 stores, a movie theater, a bowling alley, and a food court. The mall also offers a shuttle service from select hotels and attractions.
MAK Realty, Messi, and Miami —the Perfect Combination
Allow MAK Realty to find you custom accommodation to suit your needs. Whatever the size of your party and preferences, we’ll find you quality, comfortable accommodation and a great price with one of our premium short-stay hospitality partners. Moreover, our concierge department can tailor your visit, including transportation to and from the game. Come to Miami to see Messi, and let MAK help you make it a trip you’ll never forget!
