Inter Miami CF
Inter Miami CF is an American professional soccer club based in the Miami metropolitan area of Florida that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the league's Eastern Conference.[1] Founded in 2018 as the league's 24th expansion franchise through an ownership group led by David Beckham, the club commenced competitive play in the 2020 season at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, following delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[2][1] The team's early years were marked by on-field struggles and off-field transitions, including multiple head coaching changes and failure to qualify for MLS playoffs in its inaugural campaigns, reflecting the challenges of establishing a new franchise in a competitive league.[3] However, the signing of Lionel Messi in July 2023—alongside teammates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and later Luis Suárez—dramatically elevated the club's profile, leading to a Leagues Cup victory that August, its first major trophy and qualification for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.[4] Messi's presence has driven unprecedented commercial growth, more than doubling the club's valuation to approximately $1.2 billion by 2025 through heightened global interest, sold-out attendances, and merchandising surges, while his recent contract extension through 2028 underscores Inter Miami's ambition to build a sustained contender.[5] The franchise plans to relocate to a new 25,000-seat stadium at Miami Freedom Park in 2026, funded privately and approved via public referendum, aiming to anchor soccer development in South Florida amid Beckham's vision for a culturally vibrant, internationally oriented team.[6][7]History
Inception and MLS Expansion (2018–2019)
Inter Miami CF was officially awarded its Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise on January 29, 2018, as the league's 25th club, with plans to commence play in the 2020 season.[1] The franchise stemmed from an option granted to David Beckham in his 2007 contract with the LA Galaxy, allowing him to purchase an expansion team at a favorable price of $25 million.[8] Beckham's investment group, which included South Florida businessmen Jorge Mas and Jose Mas, along with initial partners Marcelo Claure and Masayoshi Son, secured the Miami market after years of negotiations to revive professional soccer in the region following the dissolution of the Miami Fusion in 2002.[9] [10] On September 5, 2018, the club unveiled its name as Inter Miami CF—short for Club Fútbol Inter Miami—and introduced its branding, including a crest featuring a heron, pink and black colors inspired by Miami's sunsets and nightlife, and the tagline "La Familia."[11] [12] The announcement emphasized a global vision for the club, aiming to represent Miami's diverse culture and attract international talent while building a sustainable business model.[1] Ownership focused on developing infrastructure, with early efforts targeting a soccer-specific stadium in Miami Freedom Park, though temporary plans involved facilities in Fort Lauderdale.[13] In 2019, as part of MLS's expansion processes, Inter Miami participated in key roster-building mechanisms. On October 6, 2019, the club won the coin toss for the Expansion Priority Draft and secured the No. 1 pick in the upcoming MLS Expansion Draft held on November 19, allowing selection of up to five unprotected players from existing teams.[14] [15] This draft, alongside similar processes for fellow expansion side Nashville SC, facilitated initial team assembly ahead of the 2020 debut, amid MLS's broader growth to 26 teams that year and plans for further expansion to 30 clubs announced on April 18, 2019.[16] Preparations also included hiring front-office personnel and scouting talent, setting the stage for operational launch despite logistical hurdles like venue approvals.[17]Inaugural Seasons and Challenges (2020–2022)
Inter Miami CF's inaugural 2020 Major League Soccer season was significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the league's schedule postponed and the team participating in the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando, Florida, starting July 2020. The club, under head coach Diego Alonso, compiled a regular-season record of 7 wins, 3 draws, and 13 losses, accumulating 24 points and finishing 19th overall in the league standings.[18] Despite high-profile signings like Rodolfo Pizarro and later Gonzalo Higuaín in September, the team struggled with defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of cohesion, exacerbated by limited preseason preparation and the condensed format.[19] Alonso resigned on October 7 after a poor run of form, with Bob Bradley serving as interim coach for the final matches.[20] In 2021, Phil Neville took over as head coach in January, but the season proved even more challenging, marked by a prolonged winless streak spanning nearly two-and-a-half months from May to late July.[21] Inter Miami finished outside the playoff positions, hampered by ongoing roster integration issues and revelations of salary budget violations from the prior year, which led to MLS sanctions including the forfeiture of a designated player spot for primary allocation money in 2021 and fines totaling $1.4 million.[22] The club had exceeded the salary cap through aggressive spending on international talent without adequate compliance measures, forcing mid-season adjustments like player buyouts that sacrificed young prospects such as Matías Pellegrini.[19] Injuries and tactical inconsistencies further undermined performance, preventing the team from capitalizing on its star acquisitions despite occasional late-season improvements. The 2022 campaign began disastrously under Neville, prompting his dismissal in June after a league-worst start that left Inter Miami at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.[23] Assistant coach Nick Cushing assumed interim duties, guiding the team to a turnaround with a final record of 14 wins, 6 draws, and 14 losses, securing the 12th overall position and a wild-card playoff berth—the second in franchise history.[24] However, challenges persisted, including defensive frailties that contributed to a first-round playoff exit via a 3-0 aggregate loss to Orlando City SC.[25] Ownership acknowledged broader organizational hurdles, such as talent evaluation errors and the difficulties of rapid expansion in a salary-capped league, which had led to inefficient spending and roster imbalances across the early years.[26] These inaugural periods highlighted the tensions between ambitious global branding and on-field execution, as the club navigated coaching instability, financial penalties, and the steep learning curve of MLS competition.[19]Messi Arrival and Rapid Ascendancy (2023–2025)
Lionel Messi signed with Inter Miami CF on July 15, 2023, as a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, marking a pivotal moment for the club that had languished near the bottom of Major League Soccer standings.[27] The deal, valued at approximately $150 million over two and a half years including equity options, positioned Messi as a player-owner hybrid, incentivizing long-term club growth.[28] He debuted on July 21, 2023, substituting in the 54th minute during a Leagues Cup group stage match against Cruz Azul, where he scored a long-range goal to secure a 2-1 comeback victory.[29] This entry injected immediate offensive potency, with Messi registering 10 goals in seven Leagues Cup appearances, transforming Inter Miami from a relegation-threatened side into tournament favorites. The 2023 Leagues Cup run epitomized the rapid ascendancy, as Inter Miami won all seven matches without a loss, culminating in a 10-9 penalty shootout victory over Nashville SC on August 19 after a 1-1 draw, securing the club's inaugural trophy and Messi's record-extending 44th career honor.[30] Despite missing MLS playoffs due to prior poor form, the triumph—fueled by Messi's scoring alongside arrivals like Sergio Busquets—elevated attendance, merchandise sales, and global visibility, with average home crowds surging over 50,000 during the tournament.[31] In December 2023, Inter Miami signed Luis Suárez, further bolstering the attack and setting the stage for sustained contention.[32] Building momentum into 2024, Inter Miami dominated the MLS regular season, clinching the Supporters' Shield on October 2 with a league-record 74 points from 22 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses, earning the top seed for playoffs and qualification for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.[33][34] Messi's 20 goals and 10 assists underscored his influence, though injuries limited his play; the team's depth, tested by absences, held firm with contributions from Suárez (top scorer with 21 goals) and Jordi Alba.[35] Playoff elimination followed a first-round upset loss to Atlanta United, but the regular-season haul represented a stark reversal from pre-Messi eras of inconsistency and high-profile underperformance. By October 2025, Inter Miami maintained elite status with a 19-8-7 record yielding 65 points, securing second place in the Eastern Conference and home-field advantage in the MLS Cup Playoffs.[36] A 3-1 victory over Nashville SC on October 24 gave them a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three first-round series, while Messi's October form—five goals and five assists in three matches—earned him MLS Player of the Month honors.[37][38] On October 23, 2025, Messi extended his contract through 2028, committing to the club beyond initial terms and signaling confidence in ongoing competitiveness amid expanded rosters and infrastructure investments.[39] Inter Miami advanced through the playoffs, defeating Nashville SC in the first round and progressing past subsequent opponents to reach the MLS Cup final. On December 6, 2025, they defeated Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3-1 at Chase Stadium, securing their first MLS Cup title and Messi's 45th career major honor.[40] Messi contributed an assist on Rodrigo De Paul's opening goal, highlighting his pivotal role in the victory.[41] This triumph marked a historic milestone for the club, solidifying its status as an MLS powerhouse and boosting its global profile ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This period's success hinged on Messi's on-field excellence and off-field draw, which correlated with doubled valuations and sold-out fixtures, though critics note dependency on aging stars risks future sustainability absent youth integration.[29]Club Identity
Colors, Badge, and Branding
Inter Miami CF's primary colors are pink and black, with pink (Pantone PMS 1895 C) and black (Pantone PMS 419 C) forming the core palette to evoke Miami's vibrant, sun-soaked aesthetic.[42] These colors were officially unveiled on September 5, 2018, alongside the club's name and crest, reflecting co-owner David Beckham's vision of pink as a color uniquely suited to the city.[1][43] White serves as a secondary color, particularly in early kits, while pink accents appear across branding elements.[44] Although inaugural kits in 2020 emphasized white jerseys with pink details, the club shifted to pink as the primary home kit color in 2022 following fan input, solidifying its bold visual identity.[45] This evolution aligns with branding efforts to differentiate Inter Miami in Major League Soccer through distinctive, region-inspired hues rather than conventional soccer palettes.[46] The club's crest, introduced on the same date, consists of a black circular badge with a double pink outline enclosing two facing white herons, birds native to South Florida known for their precise, predatory hunting style likened to "a rattlesnake with feathers."[46] Below the herons, the team's name appears in minimalist sans-serif lettering, with Roman numerals MMXX at the base signifying the 2020 launch year.[47] The design incorporates Art Deco influences reminiscent of Miami's architecture, developed by a collaborative team including ownership and a Brooklyn-based design firm to create a modern, symbolic emblem.[46][48] Branding strategy emphasizes a "glocal" approach, fusing international soccer prestige with local Latin American and Miami-specific elements, as curated by the ownership group led by Beckham.[49][50] This includes the full name Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, highlighting Spanish-language roots and global aspirations, applied consistently across merchandise, digital platforms, and stadium visuals to build fan engagement.[44] The crest and colors have since become synonymous with the club's rapid rise, particularly post-2023, without alterations to core elements.[51]Kit and Uniform Evolution
Inter Miami CF's inaugural kits, manufactured by Adidas, debuted in the 2020 MLS season with a home jersey predominantly white, featuring a sublimated print inspired by the wings of the great white heron and accented in pink to evoke South Florida's vibrancy.[52] [53] The corresponding away kit was black with pink accent stripes and embossed heron motifs, emphasizing the club's early branding tied to local wildlife and energy.[54] Shorts and socks typically complemented in black or white, maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic aligned with the team's founding identity.[55] In 2021, Inter Miami introduced a special edition kit in pink and black, signaling an early experimentation with bolder colors while retaining the white home as primary.[56] By 2022, the club shifted decisively to pink as its primary home color, replacing the initial white jerseys to better reflect Miami's flamboyant cultural palette and enhance visual distinction in MLS.[57] This evolution continued with consistent Adidas production, incorporating elements like AEROREADY moisture-wicking fabric and heat-applied crests across home, away, and emerging third kits. Away kits remained predominantly black with pink details, while shorts and socks adapted to match, often in black with three stripes. The 2023–2024 seasons expanded kit variety, adding dedicated third options in pink-black schemes and refining sponsor integrations, such as front placements for partners like Royal Caribbean.[58] For 2025, Inter Miami released multiple new designs: the home "Euforia" kit in light pink with black accents and subtle pink-on-pink stripes homage to Lionel Messi's Argentine and Barcelona influences; the away "Fortitude" in a striking secondary palette; and the third "Riptide" in Miami Blue with pink and white accents for coastal flair.[58] [59] [60] These updates, extending into 2026 for the home kit, prioritize slim-fit recycled polyester construction and mesh inserts for performance, reflecting the club's post-Messi commercial growth and global market appeal while preserving pink-black as core identifiers.[61]Facilities and Infrastructure
Primary Stadiums
Chase Stadium, located at 1350 NW 55th Street in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, serves as the primary home venue for Inter Miami CF's Major League Soccer matches and other club events.[62] The stadium, part of a 34-acre complex that includes training facilities, has a seating capacity of 21,500 and features a design optimized for soccer with natural grass turf.[62] Originally redeveloped from the site of the former Lockhart Stadium, it opened on July 18, 2020, hosting Inter Miami's inaugural match there, a 2-0 victory over Fort Lauderdale CF in a friendly.[63] The venue has hosted the majority of the club's MLS regular-season home games since its debut, accommodating fan growth following high-profile signings like Lionel Messi in 2023.[62] Renaming iterations reflect sponsorship changes: initially Inter Miami CF Stadium from 2020 to 2021, then DRV PNK Stadium from 2021 to 2024 in partnership with a breast cancer research initiative, and Chase Stadium starting in 2024 via a banking sponsorship.[64] Capacity expansions and renovations have occurred incrementally, including roof additions over supporter sections to enhance attendance during inclement weather.[65] As of the 2025 season, Chase Stadium remains the club's operational hub, though Inter Miami plans to relocate to the new 25,000-capacity Miami Freedom Park stadium in 2026, marking the end of its tenure at the Fort Lauderdale site.[66] For select high-demand fixtures exceeding Chase Stadium's capacity or requiring larger infrastructure, Inter Miami has utilized Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.[67] This 65,000-seat multi-purpose venue hosted the club's FIFA Club World Cup 2025 opener against Al Ahly FC on June 14, 2025, among other international matches, due to its ability to draw massive crowds post-Messi era.[68] Prior to 2025, Hard Rock Stadium had not hosted regular Inter Miami games, with usage limited to such overflow events rather than routine MLS play.[69]Training and Youth Facilities
The Florida Blue Training Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, functions as Inter Miami CF's primary training complex for its Major League Soccer first team, MLS Next Pro affiliate, and youth academy squads. Opened in March 2020 on a 25-acre site adjacent to Chase Stadium, the facility was constructed at a cost of $40 million and spans 50,000 square feet, encompassing locker rooms, gyms, medical areas, and administrative offices.[70][71][72] Equipped with seven professional fields—six natural grass pitches and one artificial turf surface—the center supports intensive daily sessions for up to 200 players across club levels, including recovery pools, video analysis rooms, and performance labs tailored for elite athlete development.[71][73] This setup positions it among the largest and most advanced training campuses in Major League Soccer, enabling simultaneous operations for senior and developmental teams.[74][75] Inter Miami CF's youth academy, featuring competitive teams from U12 to U17, trains exclusively at the Florida Blue Training Center, benefiting from shared infrastructure with professional staff and scouting integration to foster pathways to higher levels.[76][77][78] The academy's structure emphasizes grassroots talent identification in South Florida, with academy players accessing the same fields, coaching resources, and facilities used by first-team stars like Lionel Messi since his 2023 arrival.[76] Florida Blue acquired naming rights in September 2022 through a multi-year sponsorship deal focused on community health initiatives, underscoring the facility's role in regional soccer development.[79] The center has also hosted international clubs, such as Borussia Dortmund in June 2025 ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, highlighting its capacity for high-profile events.[80]Transportation and Accessibility
Chase Stadium, located at 1350 Northwest 55th Street in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is accessible primarily via major roadways including Interstate 95 and Florida's Turnpike, with direct entry points from Commercial Boulevard and Northwest 10th Terrace.[81] Fans driving to matches are advised to use reserved parking passes for designated lots, which provide the closest access to the venue, while overflow options like the Yellow Lot south of Commercial Boulevard offer free shuttle service to the Fan Zone.[82] [83] Private lots near the stadium charge approximately $30, and services like ParkMobile enable advance reservations to streamline entry.[84] [81] Public transportation includes Broward County Transit buses such as Route 55, which serves as a bus interchange near the stadium, and connections from Broward Central Terminal via lines like Route 14 to stops at Powerline Road/Northwest 53rd Court, with fares ranging from $2 to $5 and travel times of about 7 minutes from central Fort Lauderdale.[85] Tri-Rail's Cypress Creek station provides mainline rail access, while Brightline operates themed "GOOOL GETTER" trains to Fort Lauderdale Station, followed by complimentary shuttles to the stadium.[86] Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have designated zones on the campus, with recommendations to request pickups 5–8 minutes post-event for quicker egress by walking to less congested areas.[87] The stadium complies with or exceeds Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, featuring a 360-degree at-grade main concourse designed for enhanced mobility and wheelchair accessibility.[88] Designated ADA seating is available in sections such as 132 and 101 (Rows 1–8), with additional wheelchair-accessible locations throughout, including in suites like Field and Skybox options; ambulatory seating accompanies these for companions.[89] [90] Mobility assistance teams are stationed at entry points to aid navigation, though relocations for ADA needs operate on a first-come, first-served basis during high-demand events.[91]Ownership and Business Model
Ownership Group and Structure
Inter Miami CF is owned by a consortium led by Jorge Mas, who holds the position of managing owner and CEO, overseeing the club's strategic and operational decisions. Co-owners include Mas's brother, Jose Mas, and David Beckham, a former professional footballer who played a pivotal role in securing the franchise expansion for Major League Soccer in Miami. This ownership structure emerged following the club's founding in 2018 as part of the Miami Beckham United group, which initially included additional investors.[7][92][93] In September 2021, Jorge Mas, Jose Mas, and David Beckham finalized a buyout of co-owners Marcelo Claure and Masayoshi Son, thereby increasing their collective stakes and consolidating control among the trio. The transaction, which valued the club at approximately $600 million at the time, eliminated minority interests held by Claure (previously around 37.5%) and Son (around 15%), allowing the remaining owners to direct the club's development without external partners influencing day-to-day management. This restructuring aligned with the club's relocation to DRV PNK Stadium and its ambitions for growth in South Florida.[94][10] Jorge Mas maintains the majority ownership, with Forbes estimating his stake at roughly 80% as of April 2024, reflecting his significant financial commitment and leadership in transforming Inter Miami into one of MLS's most valuable franchises. The club functions as a limited liability company under MLS's single-entity model, where owners retain autonomy in local operations while adhering to league-wide revenue sharing and competitive balance rules. Additional capital infusions, such as a $150 million preferred equity investment from Ares Management in 2021, have supported infrastructure projects without altering the core equity ownership group.[95][96][93]Financial Valuation and Revenue Growth
Inter Miami CF's enterprise value reached $1.2 billion in 2025, according to Forbes, reflecting a 17% year-over-year increase and ranking it second among Major League Soccer franchises behind Los Angeles FC's $1.25 billion valuation.[97] This figure more than doubled the club's pre-2023 valuation, primarily due to the commercial surge following Lionel Messi's signing on July 15, 2023, which amplified global interest, sponsorship deals, and merchandise sales.[98] Independent estimates, such as Sportico's January 2025 assessment of $1.19 billion, corroborated the upward trajectory, attributing the growth to Messi's star power rather than on-field results alone.[39] Revenue expanded dramatically post-Messi, from $50–60 million in 2022—before his arrival—to $120–130 million in 2023, driven by heightened ticket demand, broadcasting rights, and apparel partnerships.[99] By 2024, annual revenue climbed to $180 million, with operating income turning positive at $50 million, fueled by sponsorships exceeding $100 million annually and secondary market ticket price surges of up to 1,000% for select matches.[97] [100]| Year | Revenue ($ million) | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 50–60 | Pre-Messi baseline operations[101] |
| 2023 | 120–130 | Initial Messi effect on tickets and merchandise[99] |
| 2024 | 180 | Sustained sponsorships and global broadcasting[97] |
Sponsorship and Commercial Partnerships
Inter Miami CF's sponsorship portfolio has expanded significantly since the club's founding in 2018, with accelerated growth following Lionel Messi's signing in July 2023, which reportedly facilitated 11 new multi-year partnerships in the 2024 season alone, including deals with Audi, JPMorgan Chase, Duracell, Lowe's, Visa, and LaCroix.[99][99] These agreements have emphasized fan activations, community initiatives, and brand visibility, contributing to the club's commercial revenue amid its rising profile in Major League Soccer. The primary jersey sponsor position has seen transitions reflective of market shifts. XBTO, a global cryptofinance firm, served as the inaugural front-of-shirt sponsor from the club's 2020 MLS debut through the 2023 season.[1] In January 2024, Royal Caribbean International assumed the role under an expanded multiyear partnership initially announced in August 2023, positioning the cruise line's logo prominently on home and away kits while integrating experiential marketing such as fan cruises and match-day promotions.[102][103] Adidas has been the official kit manufacturer since inception, supplying uniforms, training gear, and merchandise under MLS's league-wide agreement, with custom designs featuring the club's pink-black-white color scheme and sponsor integrations.[104] Additional category-specific partnerships include Audi as the official premium automotive partner, providing vehicle fleets for team operations and player use; JPMorgan Chase as a main partner with multiyear commitments focused on financial services branding; and Red Bull as the official energy drink sponsor via a multiyear deal signed in March 2025.[105][106][107] Further deals underscore diversification into technology and wellness sectors. In August 2024, Polkadot became a partner to integrate blockchain technology for fan engagement and ticketing innovations.[108] Mas + by Messi, the athlete's personal hydration brand, was named the official supplier in February 2025. In February 2025, the club renewed 10 existing partnerships—including with Baptist Health, Florida Blue, and Publix—for the 2025 season, enhancing stadium activations and community programs.[109] Other ongoing collaborators encompass Heineken, Hard Rock, and Fracht Group, supporting categories from beverages to logistics.[110] These arrangements, often tied to South Florida's economic ecosystem, have bolstered the club's financial model without reliance on public subsidies.On-Field Personnel
Current First-Team Squad
As of October 25, 2025, Inter Miami CF's first-team squad comprises 26 players, blending veteran international stars with emerging talents, under Major League Soccer roster rules limiting active players to 30 including reserves.[111][112] The roster features high-profile acquisitions like Lionel Messi, whose contract extends through 2028, alongside Sergio Busquets and Luis Suárez, both with deals expiring December 31, 2025.[112] Recent additions include Rodrigo De Paul in midfield, contributing to a squad average age of 27.1 years and heavy reliance on foreign players (22 of 26).[111][112] The squad is structured as follows, grouped by position:| Position | Goalkeepers | Defenders | Midfielders | Forwards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Players | Oscar Ustari (#19) William Yarbrough (#25) Rocco Ríos Novo (#34) Drake Callender | Gonzalo Luján (#2) Tomás Avilés (#6) Jordi Alba Ryan Sailor (#15) Tyler Hall (#26) Maximiliano Falcón (#37) Marcelo Weigandt (#57) Israel Boatwright (#62) Serhiy Kryvtsov | Sergio Busquets (#5) Rodrigo De Paul (#7) Telasco Segovia (#8) Baltasar Rodríguez (#11) David Ruiz (#41) Yannick Bright (#42) Santiago Morales (#81) | Lionel Messi (#10) Luis Suárez (#9) Fafa Picault (#14) Tadeo Allende (#21) Mateo Silvetti (#24) Allen Obando (#29) |
Coaching and Technical Staff History
Diego Alonso was appointed Inter Miami CF's first head coach on December 30, 2019, ahead of the club's MLS debut in 2020.[114] He oversaw 30 regular-season matches, recording 10 wins, 7 draws, and 13 losses, along with early-round playoff and U.S. Open Cup exits, before his departure on January 7, 2021.[115] Phil Neville took over on January 18, 2021, managing through the 2021 and 2022 seasons plus part of 2023, with a cumulative MLS record of 21 wins, 29 losses, and 14 draws.[115] His tenure included a 2021 playoff qualification but was marked by inconsistent results and defensive vulnerabilities, leading to his dismissal on June 1, 2023.[116] Javier Morales, previously an academy coach and assistant, served as interim head coach from June 1 to June 28, 2023, during which the team played four matches without a win.[116] Gerardo Martino was hired on June 28, 2023, bringing experience from Barcelona and Atlanta United.[117] Under Martino, Inter Miami won the 2023 Leagues Cup—its first trophy—following Lionel Messi's arrival, but regular-season finishes remained outside Eastern Conference playoff contention until 2024's Supporters' Shield win; he stepped aside on November 22, 2024, citing personal reasons.[118] Javier Mascherano was appointed head coach on November 26, 2024, with a contract through 2025.[119] His initial staff included assistants Lucas Rodríguez Pagano (formerly with Argentina's national teams), Leandro Stillitano, and Javier Morales, plus goalkeeping coach Mauro Dobler, emphasizing tactical familiarity from Mascherano's Barcelona connections.[120] In technical leadership, Niki Budalic has held the Director of Professional Football role since January 7, 2019, focusing on operational aspects.[121] Raúl Sanllehí served as President of Football Operations until reassignment on January 28, 2025, when Ángel Guillermo Hoyos—joined in 2023 as director of methodology and a longtime Messi associate—was elevated to oversee scouting, roster decisions, and sporting strategy.[122] These shifts reflect efforts to align front-office structure with on-field ambitions amid high-profile signings.[123]Performance and Achievements
Major Honors and Trophies
Inter Miami CF secured its inaugural major trophy by winning the 2023 Leagues Cup, defeating Nashville SC 10–9 in a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw in the final on August 19, 2023, at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee; Lionel Messi scored the only goal in regulation time during his debut tournament with the club.[30][124] This victory marked the first silverware in franchise history and qualified the team for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.[35] In 2024, the club claimed the MLS Supporters' Shield for the league's best regular-season record, finishing with a historic 74 points across 34 matches, clinched on October 2, 2024, after a 3–2 win over Columbus Crew.[33][35] This achievement granted home-field advantage throughout the MLS Cup Playoffs and entry into the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.[125] On December 6, 2025, Inter Miami CF won its first MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3-1 in the final at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Lionel Messi provided two assists in the match and was named MLS Cup MVP.[126][127] This victory marked the club's first championship in Major League Soccer. The team has yet to win the U.S. Open Cup, though it reached the latter's final in 2023, losing to Houston Dynamo FC.[128]| Competition | Titles | Seasons Won |
|---|---|---|
| Leagues Cup | 1 | 2023 |
| Supporters' Shield | 1 | 2024 |
| MLS Cup | 1 | 2025 |
Statistical Records and Milestones
Inter Miami CF's largest margin of victory in MLS regular season play stands at 5–0, achieved against Orlando City SC on March 2, 2024.[129] The club recorded its highest-scoring output in a single match with 6 goals, scored in a 6–2 win over the New York Red Bulls on May 4, 2024.[129] Conversely, the heaviest defeat came in a 1–6 loss to FC Cincinnati on July 7, 2024.[129] In terms of seasonal performance, Inter Miami set an MLS single-season points record with 74 in 2024, securing the Supporters' Shield as the league's top regular-season team with a 22–4–8 record.[130] That year, the club scored 79 goals across 34 matches, ranking as the third-highest total in MLS history.[131] The 2025 regular season yielded 65 points from a 19–8–7 record, finishing second overall, with 81 goals scored.[36]| Category | Record | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Most MLS goals, season | 29 (2025) | Lionel Messi, first player in club history to win MLS Golden Boot.[132][133] |
| Most MLS appearances, season | 35 (2024) | Drake Callender.[134] |
| Most club appearances, all competitions | 100+ | Drake Callender and Robert Taylor, reached July 17, 2024.[135] |