Inter Miami made waves when the team was bought by soccer legend David Beckham in 2014, and now even more eyes are on the team with the arrival of the GOAT, Lionel Messi. This came on the heels of the fútbol forward leading the Argentinian national team to the 2022 World Cup victory.
Don’t let the name of the team fool you — Inter Miami plays right here in Fort Lauderdale at Chase Stadium. With La Pulga’s’ first season in full swing, we’ve got the details on how to indulge in Messi Mania in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Where to Eat and Drink
To celebrate Messi’s arrival, restaurants and bars around town have created their own menu items to welcome our new team captain. Prison Pals Brewery in Oakland Park released “The GOAT,” a lager whose can is adorned with Inter Miami’s colors and number 10. The owner of the brewery is Argentinian, so you know that you’ll always have a place in town to watch the games with other fans.
Up the street at Funky Buddha Brewery, you can order a pint of “Messi’s Maté IPA,” which was inspired by ‘La Pulga’s’ go-to drink, an herbal drink with a jolt of caffeine. And for something to eat, the Hard Rock Café in Florida’s Hollywood is serving up the “Messi Burger,” with two hamburger patties, provolone cheese, sliced chorizo, caramelized red onion, shredded lettuce, tomato, the chain’s “signature spicy smoky sauce,” and an optional sunny-side-up egg. Not into beef? Try the café’s “Messi Chicken Sandwich” instead. If you’re at Chase Stadium watching the game, stop by Rossano’s pizza truck for the FugaMezzi, a white pizza with caramelized onions, green olives, and provolone.
You can also get into the spirit by indulging in local Argentinian fare. Argentino Las Olas is known for its empanadas and tapas, with $3 sangrias all day long. In Weston, Graziano’s carries on the nation’s tradition of cooking prime cuts over a wood-fired grill.
Where to Party
Sports bars around town will be putting on the game. Hollywood’s Mickey Byrnes Irish Pub & Restaurant, the official pub partner for Inter Miami, is giving away a free beer to anyone in the team’s garb when Messi scores his first goal for the game — just make sure you already have a tab open!
A newer spot in town, the Palm Room sports bar on Las Olas Boulevard exudes the “players club” culture with a more upscale experience while still providing plenty of televisions to watch sporting events — including Inter Miami. And remember, not only does Prison Pals Brewery in Oakland Park serve its own speciality lager for Messi, but the venue also airs the games.
Inter Miami is in for a lot of wins this season, so be prepared to head out and celebrate those wins. If you're looking for something to do after a home game, Xtreme Action Park is located less than a mile away from the stadium. This massive 200,000-square-foot adventure zone offers a variety of activities including escape rooms, go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag, roller skating, a ropes course, and a vast selection of arcade games. Additionally, there are plenty of food options and a speakeasy called The Green Hat.
How to Get There
If you’re headed to DRV PNK Stadium from neighboring cities in South Florida, hop aboard the Brightline train to Fort Lauderdale. It takes less than an hour, and free shuttles are available to transport fans to and from the stadium. This service is aptly named the "GOOOL GETTER," and premium ticket holders will receive complimentary snacks and drinks served in a pink Inter Miami cup.
Another transportation option is rideshare (there’s a designated lot across Gate 1). Plan to drive to the stadium? Parking for Inter Miami CF matches includes general and pre-purchased reserved spots.
Where to Stay
Visitors from near and far are traveling to Greater Fort Lauderdale to watch Messi score a goal. If you’re planning a trip to the area or a staycation, you’ll find a variety of hotel options near the DRV Pink Stadium, situated about seven miles northwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Popular hotel options nearby include Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale North/Cypress Creek, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Lauderdale Cypress Creek, Sheraton Suites Fort Lauderdale at Cypress Creek, among other hotels.
Go beyond the general stadium area and check out various places to stay across Fort Lauderdale beach, downtown Fort Lauderdale, and our other cities and towns for even more choices.
No matter where you stay, eat, or enjoy the game this season, just remember to put on your pink and black for Inter Miami — and get ready to scream GOALLLLLL for the GOAT!