FORT LAUDERDALE – Seminole Tribe and Hard Rock International officials joined excited fans at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 2 for the launch of a new Lionel Messi-themed kids’ menu available at Hard Rock Cafe locations. Messi is an international soccer star with the Inter Miami CF soccer team. He has been a brand ambassador for Hard Rock since 2021.

“Just through who he is and what he represents, and I think it’s something pretty special, we’re very proud to be in this relationship with him,” Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming, said at the event. “But it isn’t just about the celebrity; it’s the person, the integrity [and] the long-term commitment that we’re really excited about.”

Seminole Tribe Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola Jr. recalled coming to the soccer stadium as a kid when the Fort Lauderdale Strikers played in the late 1970s and early 80s in what was then Lockhart Stadium.

“This stadium has come a long way and has a lot of history and it’s making more with this gentlemen that we’re going to introduce here in a minute,” Chairman Osceola said, referring to Messi. “It’s awesome that we have the relationship with him. What he’s doing for the kids is truly amazing and we’re happy to be a part of that. It’s an awesome partnership for the tribe.”

Hard Rock officials said Messi, a father of three, was involved with the development of the menu. It features 10 items: the Messi’s X Burger, Messi Golden Chicken Sandwich, bacon cheeseburger, chicken tenders, mac & cheese, twisted n’ tasty cavatappi pasta, hot dog, grilled chicken breast, and grilled chicken house salad.

Dozens of kids were in attendance with their families to usher in the menu. There were several tribal kids at the event as well, including 15 that traveled to Fort Lauderdale with the Big Cypress Recreation Department. The kids also had the chance to take to the soccer field to practice their skills with Inter Miami coaches as Messi looked on.

The newly named Hard Rock Terrace at DRV PNK Stadium was also unveiled at the event. Hard Rock officials said the company recently entered into a partnership with the Inter Miami CF organization.

The Seminole Tribe is the parent entity of Hard Rock International. Hard Rock operates venues in more than 70 countries with 290 locations that include owned, licensed or managed hotels, casinos, retail shops, live performance venues and cafes. More is at hardrock.com.