For the first time since 1994, the FIFA World Cup international soccer tournament is being held in the U.S. and has already attracted throngs of fans to the States since the matches started just a few days ago on June 12. Tons of rabid soccer enthusiasts have especially gathered in the New York and New Jersey area to witness all the electrifying action held at East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium. To celebrate the exciting summer of soccer, Hard Rock Hotel New York has just launched a new premium World Cup themed room honoring iconic soccer phenom Lionel Messi to elevate fan experiences even more and to help make things more relaxing for FIFA fans who need to rest after getting to and from the stadium.
Hard Rock Hotel New York—located at 159 West 48th Street in Times Square and steps away from the famous Broadway theaters—hosted The Knockturnal for a two-night stay in their exclusive Lionel Messi Legendary Suite, and it was an insanely luxurious and an immersive experience. Every inch of the spacious room was curated to pay tribute to Lionel Messi, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest soccer players in history. The Argentine-born star currently plays for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and famously led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. On June 16, he netted his first World Cup hat-trick and helped Argentina win against Algeria. The suite was designed in collaboration with Messi himself, so you know every detail is top quality, authentic and truly representative of his tastes and personality, thus creating the ultimate stay experience. You will also receive exclusive keepsakes when booking the suite.
Courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel New York
When you walk into the bespoke suite, which is available now until July 31, you will be greeted by a stunning mural of Messi that is breathtaking and a perfect Instagram moment. The room, which was 526 sq. ft, had plenty of space to easily move around. It was tastefully decorated with Messi memorabilia, a framed jersey with his original signature and other iconic pieces like a striking photo of him on the pitch. There were even pillows that had Messi’s brand logo “M” and his number 10 on them. Lastly, Messi-branded robes and slippers were available for us to wear—and of course we did!
Located on the fifth floor, the room featured floor-to-ceiling windows that brought in a ton of natural sunlight and a king sized bed that easily sleeps two to three guests. The bed was big and allowed us to comfortably sleep well. The bed’s pillow cases even had our initials embroidered on them—a very classy detail that we appreciated. The bathroom was massive and had incredible lighting. Best of all, there was a rainfall shower with strong water pressure.
The Lionel Messi Legendary Suite also had a flat screen digital TV with a coveted gold-colored Sony PlayStation 5 console and tons of games like EA Sports FC 25 and EA Sports NHL 25. There was even a comfy couch to sit down and sprawl out while playing the video games. There was fast unlimited internet access and numerous USB charging sockets too. Adjacent to the TV was a Lavazza Espresso machine that gave us an afternoon caffeine boost.
The amenities didn’t end there. Best of all, the Lionel Messi Legendary Suite has a 367 sq. ft private terrace with a foosball table. It’s very rare for hotel rooms in New York City to have a terrace, so the outdoor area provided relaxing vibes that we indulged in. Guests who book the Messi Legendary Suite will also reap lots of valuable perks, including a $200 gift card to use at the hotel’s Rock Shop for exclusive Leo Messi x Hard Rock merchandise, a swag bag that contains a wireless speaker, clear backpack, commemorative 2026 Soccer Pilsner Glasses, and a limited-edition Hard Rock soccer guitar pin. Guests will also receive two #10 Messi branded hotel robes and entry into the Hard Rock sweepstakes for a chance to win a meet and greet with Messi.
Courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel New York
Hard Rock Hotel New York is a classy and stylish 446-room property, but the Lionel Messi Legendary Suite was seriously the best room in all of the hotel. The suite is more than just a place to sleep, but it was the ultimate superfan sanctuary that inspired greatness. Hard Rock Hotel New York really created a stay experience that celebrated the passion and dedication of soccer, which is a powerful cultural and social phenomenon that unites us all. Book the Messi Legendary Suite now.
