We show that it is possible to define a pressure within a mean-field lattice model by means of statistical thermodynamics that shows the same physics of the pressure as that found from the virial route. A unique expression for the bulk pressure, which satisfies the Kamerlingh-Onnes virial expansion, is found. However, for inhomogeneous systems two different expressions for the grand potential density, both identified as the local tangential pressure, are elaborated. Such ambiguity of the local pressure has also been encountered for continuum models for the pressure. The profile of the normal and tangential components of the pressure through the system show features that are similar to other models in the literature.