MLS Preview: Inter Miami

Hooligan Soccer

·13 febbraio 2025

MLS Preview: Inter Miami

Club History

Formally known as Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, its history is synonymous with two of the biggest soccer names on the planet: David Beckham and Lionel Messi. The former is one of the club’s shareholders, taking advantage of a clause in his LA Galaxy contract that granted him the option of taking ownership of an expansion franchise at a cut-rate cost. The latter, well, IYKYK. Messi’s 2023 arrival in Miami was an immediate marketing success, and even if their on-field performance was lackluster (they finished 27th overall) they still won the Leagues Cup trophy.

The crest pays homage to Miami’s famous art deco architecture and tropical color palette. The heron’s legs entwine to form a “M”; the seven-pointed eclipse is a reference to Beckham’s #7 jersey.

OneFootball Video

As a soccer city, Miami is decidedly lukewarm (unlike the weather). The Miami Fusion were a MLS expansion team that competed from 1998-2001 before they were dissolved by the league after middling fan interest and ticket sales. Other efforts to bring an MLS expansion team also fails to generate enough backing to be realized. It was only with the star-power of David Beckham that this specific proposal was approved.

Plans to construct a soccer-specific stadium within the city have never truly come to fruition, though since 2022 construction of the Miami Freedom Park has been ongoing and they are rushing to complete it before the end of the 2025 season.

Ownership

The initial ownership group was a consortium called Miami Beckham United. It comprised Beckham, his business manager Simon Fuller, local businessman Marcelo Claure, software tycoon Masayoshi Son, and the Man brothers, Jorge and José, local telecommunications and construction magnates. Son and Claure’s options were bought out in September 2021. The club has been charged and found guilty of numerous breaches of violating player recruitment and designation since 2020.

Significant Players

Lionel Messi (Argentina) – Midfielder Duh. Has become the club’s top goal scorer (34 as of publication). His contract runs through 2025.
Gonzalo Higuaín (Argentina) – Forward One of the club’s early marquee DPs, he led Inter in scoring for two seasons (2021 & 2022).
Leonardo Campana (Ecuador) – Forward Was a DP from 2023-24 and has 28 goals/7 assists in 80 matches. Was traded to the New England Revolution in December 2024 with Miami retaining a sell-on clause.
Luis Suárez (Uruguay) – Forward Love him or hate him, the notorious biter was the team’s top scorer in 2024 (25 goals).

Other Facts

Despite their moniker, the club plays in Fort Lauderdale, a municipality north of Miami.
The club has two rivalries: the “Florida Derby” with Orlando City SC and the “Miami Clásico” with Miami FC of the USL Championship.
There are eight Argentinians on the roster, and twelve players from South America.
They have had five head coaches in their six-year history.
The franchise is the second-most valuable (~$1.03B) according to Forbes magazine, despite its young age.
Endured a two year lawsuit from Inter Milan over the use of “Inter.” The case was settled in 2021 and the club may continue to use it.

2024 Season Recap

22W – 8D – 4L for 74 points. Finished 1st in the Eastern Conference; 1st overall. This was a new record for points in the MLS.
As a result of their Supporters Shield win in 2024, Inter Miami was selected by FIFA to be the U.S. “wild card” pick for the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025. The fact that Lionel Messi is on the team had nothing to do with it. I also have a nice bridge to sell you.
They faced 9th ranked Atlanta United in Round one of the playoffs, with a shock loss in the third game knocking them out.

Who to Watch 2025

Not content with their record-breaking 2024 performance, the Herons traded or transferred five players and dropped another seven, freeing up a LOT of GAM. With that extra cash they went out and got:

Fafà Picault (Haiti) – Forward A veteran player just shy of 34, Inter Miami is his tenth senior club, and his fifth MLS franchise.
Telasco Segovia (Venezuela) – Midfielder At only 21, this is a shrewd signing with hopes that he will flourish.
Tadeo Allende (Argentina) – Forward/Winger He’s on a one-year loan from Celta de Vigo, so will have to impress if he wants to stay longer.
Benjamin Cremaschi (United States) – Midfielder A homegrown player, Cremaschi has 6 goals in 50 appearances for the club.

First Match

They will host New York City FC on Feb. 22

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