  The combination of multi-band imaging from HST with MUSE integral field
spectroscopy, obtained at the VLT, has recently driven remarkable progress in
strong lensing (SL) modeling of galaxy clusters. From a few tens of multiple
images with photometric redshifts per cluster, a new generation of
high-precision SL models have recently been developed, by exploiting in some
cases over a hundred of spectroscopically confirmed multiple images and cluster
member galaxies. A further step forward is expected with JWST observations of
SL clusters (from hundreds to possibly a thousand of multiple images). In this
context, we present a new, state-of-the-art SL model of the galaxy cluster MACS
J0416.1-2403, utilizing 237 spectroscopically confirmed multiple images, which
is the largest sample of secure multiply lensed sources utilized to date. This
model incorporates stellar kinematics information of 64 cluster galaxies and
the hot-gas mass distribution of the cluster determined from Chandra X-ray
observations. The observed positions of the many multiple images are reproduced
with a remarkable accuracy of 0.43 arcsec. To further assess the reliability of
this lens model and to highlight the improvement over previously published
models, we show the extended surface brightness reconstruction of several
lensed galaxies through a newly developed forward modeling software. The
comparison with other SL models of the same cluster demonstrates that this new
model is better suited to accurately reproduce the positions, shapes and fluxes
of the observed multiple images. Besides a robust characterization of the total
mass distribution of the cluster, our model can provide accurate and precise
magnification maps that are key to studying the intrinsic physical properties
of faint, high-redshift lensed sources. The model is made publicly available
through our newly developed Strong Lensing Online Tool (or SLOT).
