July 31, 2026

Leo MUssi: A Soccer-Loving Mascot for World Cup 2026

Leo MUssi Wrapped Up a Memorable Football Season Across North America

To celebrate the excitement of the 2026 football tournament, Millennium Hotels & Resorts’ North America region introduced Leo MUssi, a football-inspired edition of the beloved Millennium Muriel mascot. Created to capture the spirit of sportsmanship and unite guests through one of the world’s biggest sporting events, Leo embodied the energy, camaraderie and passion that brought football fans together across the region.

The name Leo MUssi pays tribute to legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi, who featured in the tournament’s final. Over the past 25 years, the brand has introduced 28 unique Muriel editions with playful names such as Marilyn MUnroe and MUgsy Malone, each designed to celebrate different themes while reinforcing the Millennium brand.

On the Road Across the United States

Throughout the tournament, Leo MUssi travelled across Millennium Hotels & Resorts’ major properties in the United States, delighting guests, associates and travel partners alike. The mascot became a popular companion for photo opportunities, with guests and employees capturing memorable moments together while embracing the excitement of the football season.

Beyond hotel activations, Leo MUssi was also distributed to guests across participating properties and accompanied the North America Regional Sales team to trade shows and client events, where the mascot served as a memorable giveaway while subtly promoting Millennium Hotels & Resorts’ “MU” booking code among travel industry partners.

Leo MUssi at The Lakefront Anchorage
A Celebration at The Biltmore Los Angeles

One of Leo’s standout appearances was at The Biltmore Los Angeles, one of the tournament’s key host-city hotels. Throughout the football season, the hotel welcomed fans from around the world with football-themed photo opportunities, specially crafted cocktails and lively match watch parties at Gallery Bar, creating an exciting atmosphere for guests to come together and celebrate the beautiful game.

Leo MUssi at The Biltmore Los Angeles
The football tournament also delivered a significant uplift in travel demand. During June and July, Millennium Hotels & Resorts’ properties in host cities including Los Angeles, Boston and New York experienced occupancy demand increases of up to 20% compared with the previous year, reflecting the influx of international visitors travelling to experience the tournament.
Beyond the Tournament
While Leo MUssi made his debut during the football season, his journey does not end there. The mascot continues to be featured throughout 2026 and beyond, supporting Millennium Hotels & Resorts’ broader focus on sports, wellness and guest engagement. As the latest chapter in the long-running Millennium Muriel story, Leo continues to bring smiles to guests while celebrating the connections created through travel, hospitality and shared experiences. As the final whistle blew on an unforgettable football season, Leo MUssi completed a memorable journey across North America, celebrating the moments that united guests, associates and communities through the universal language of football.
Leo MUssi at The McCormick Scottsdale
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