FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Inter Miami Football Club and Royal Caribbean have teamed up once again to create unforgettable memories for children facing critical illnesses. From April 12 to April 15, 2025, twenty-three Make-A-Wish children participated in a remarkable four-day wish-granting experience, marking the second full-team initiative since their partnership began.
This year’s event coincided with World Wish Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the life-changing impact of wishes. The wish kids, who traveled from across the country, were thrilled to meet the Inter Miami CF First Team, including the club captain, Lionel Messi. The excitement was palpable as the children engaged with their soccer heroes and experienced the magic of the game.
The experience kicked off aboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, where families enjoyed a day filled with adventures. The ship, recognized by TIME as one of the World’s Greatest Places in 2024, offered a VIP treatment that included thrilling activities and a viewing of the first theatrical rendition of "The Wizard of Oz" at sea. “Helping wish kids and their families build memories to last a lifetime is at the core of Royal Caribbean’s Wishes at Sea program,” said Samantha Riepe, VP of Marketing at Royal Caribbean International. “We are inspired by these families and love being a small part of making their wishes a reality.”
After their fun-filled day at sea, the excitement continued as the children and their families arrived in South Florida on April 15. They were welcomed at Chase Stadium, Inter Miami’s home ground, where they experienced the club’s motto, “Freedom to Dream.” Each wish child received their own field-level suite, complete with personalized gifts, including a team-signed Inter Miami CF jersey featuring their name.
The day was filled with special moments, including a private viewing of an Inter Miami CF practice. The children took turns entering the field through the player tunnel, greeted by their names and photos displayed on the scoreboard. “It was amazing. It was a dream come true to be able to be surrounded by the stadium and a place with so much atmosphere,” one child shared, reflecting the joy of the day.
Interacting with their idols, the kids had the chance to meet not only Messi but also other stars like Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Drake Callender, and Benjamín Cremaschi. The players engaged with the children, asking them questions and sharing laughs. Fafà Picault, one of the players, asked the kids about their dream goal celebrations. When one child responded with “Messi,” it drew laughter and smiles from both the players and the kids.
The heartwarming interactions didn’t stop there. The children also participated in a more serious segment when Picault inquired about the superpowers they would wish for. “Never getting sick, like permanently good health,” was a response that resonated deeply with the players and attendees alike.
“It was just a beautiful experience overall,” said Yannick Bright, another player, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives. “I think there are so many things in life that are bigger than football.” Picault echoed this sentiment, stating, “Today was about making them happy; it was their day, and we loved it.”
As the day concluded, the children gathered for a group photo with the team, capturing the memories of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The initiative not only brought joy to the wish kids but also reinforced the commitment of Inter Miami and Royal Caribbean to support families in need.
World Wish Month, celebrated every April, builds upon the foundation of World Wish Day, which falls on April 29, commemorating the anniversary of a young boy’s wish to become a police officer in 1980. Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, highlighted the significance of wishes during this month. “Every hour of every day, more than three children are diagnosed with a critical illness,” she said. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of WishMakers like Royal Caribbean and Inter Miami, who play a crucial role in making these life-changing wishes possible that can bring hope, strength, and joy.”
Fanatics, the official sports partner of Make-A-Wish, also contributed to the event by providing additional fan gear for each wish kid, enhancing the overall experience and ensuring that the children left with cherished mementos of their time spent with the team.
This initiative is a testament to the impact of partnerships in sports and philanthropy. Inter Miami and Royal Caribbean have demonstrated their dedication to uplifting communities and making a difference in the lives of children facing significant challenges. As the event wrapped up, the smiles on the faces of the children and the camaraderie shared with the players highlighted the true spirit of the game.
As Inter Miami continues to forge ahead in the soccer world, their commitment to community engagement and support for children in need remains a priority. With each wish granted, they not only change lives but also inspire hope and resilience in families across the nation.
