Introduced to celebrate the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America, MHR’s soccer-themed mascot, Leo MUssi, has become a popular ambassador across the group’s US portfolio.

Inspired by legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi, captain of both the Argentina national team and Inter Miami CF, Leo MUssi was created to capture the excitement, passion and sportsmanship of the world’s biggest football tournament.

The mascot’s name continues MHR’s tradition of incorporating “MU”, the company’s booking code, into playful mascot names. Originally introduced in 1995 to help travel agents identify MHR properties, the prefix has since become a distinctive feature of the brand’s identity.

One of Leo MUssi’s most memorable appearances was at The Biltmore Los Angeles, where fans and guests immersed themselves in the World Cup atmosphere through themed events and experiences. With Los Angeles hosting eight tournament matches, The Biltmore was at the heart of the action, and Leo MUssi quickly became a familiar and much-loved presence among football supporters from around the world.

The tournament also delivered a significant boost to tourism and hospitality demand across MHR’s US portfolio. During June and July 2026, occupancy in key host cities including Los Angeles, Boston and New York increased by as much as 20% compared with the previous year, reflecting the strong influx of domestic and international visitors attending the event.

Although the World Cup has concluded, Leo MUssi’s popularity lives on as a sought-after giveaway at trade shows, where MHR’s US Regional Sales team continues to share the mascot with clients, partners and industry contacts.