Mastercard has been named the exclusive payment services partner for Inter Miami CF, expanding the brand’s long-running global football strategy into one of Major League Soccer’s most commercially potent clubs.
The agreement also makes Mastercard an official partner of the club’s new Nu Stadium, set to open for the 2026 season.
The partnership will see Mastercard integrate its payments technology across the venue, including contactless acceptance, digital ticketing and fan‑experience activations. The company said the deal builds on more than three decades of global football sponsorships, including the UEFA Champions League and Copa América.
Inter Miami CF’s chief business officer, Xavier Asensi, said the collaboration would help deliver a seamless matchday experience as the club prepares to move into its new home. Mastercard will also work with Cristina Junqueira, the club’s chief strategy officer, on commercial and fan‑engagement initiatives.
The announcement marks Mastercard’s first team partnership involving Leo Messi, who has been a long-standing global ambassador for the brand. The company said the alignment of Messi, Inter Miami and the new stadium created “a unique moment” to deepen its presence in US football culture.
Speaking on LinkedIn, Rustom Dastoor, CMO of Mastercard North America, framed the partnership as part of a broader shift in how fans engage with the sport.
“Soccer is never just about what happens on the pitch. It’s culture. It’s connection,” he wrote, adding that the future of fandom “isn’t just about the game — it’s about how you experience it.”
Mastercard said the partnership will underpin a series of “Priceless” experiences for supporters, including exclusive access, on‑site benefits and community programmes linked to the club’s growth in South Florida.
The Nu Stadium, currently under construction, is expected to become one of MLS’s most advanced venues, with a focus on digital infrastructure, premium hospitality and year‑round commercial activity.
Dastoor and Mastercard are shortlisted in the FP Awards USA, which are taking place in New York City on June 18.