Orlando City fans are fuming! Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami involved in awkward stadium name change as MLS rivals reveal shocking new title for home grounds

The Lions announced a stadium name change Thursday morning from Exploria stadium to Inter&Co Stadium - a switch that has fans voicing more than displeasure on social media. The complaint is that their new name sounds a lot like their direct rivals - Inter Miami FC.

One fan commented on X that "this is embarrassing", while another added: "New name, same home, new owner. Orlando City - now owned by @InterMiamiCF and Co!"

The two South Florida MLS sides are direct rivals and the name change does sound an awful lot like Lionel Messi's club. However, some are on the opposite side of the battle, including soccer personality Alexi Lalas. The USMNT legend argues that Orlando fans have no reason to be upset about it, comparing the name change to breakfast restaurant IHOP.

The two sides are underway with their 2024 preseason and are preparing for the forthcoming campaign. Their first contest of the year against each other will come on March 2 at DRV PNK Stadium, followed by a June 15 match at Inter&Co Stadium.