Inter Miami’s focus is firmly set on winning the MLS Cup, even as they remain in contention for the Supporters’ Shield. Despite challenges like injuries and suspensions, the team’s victory against Seattle has boosted morale. With Lionel Messi leading the charge, the club aims to overcome disciplinary issues and navigate a tough playoff bracket to achieve their ultimate goal.
The air in Fort Lauderdale was thick with humidity, a familiar blanket on a Tuesday night. Chase Stadium buzzed with its usual fervent energy as Inter Miami secured a 3-1 victory against the Seattle Sounders. This win offered a sweet taste of revenge, a rejoinder to the contentious Leagues Cup final defeat suffered at the hands of the Sounders just two weeks prior. Lionel Messi's assist to Jordi Alba, a connection that's becoming a signature move for the team, was a highlight of the match. But the win signifies more than just evening the score; it underscores Inter Miami's unwavering focus on a singular, glittering prize: the MLS Cup.
"It was important to regain positive feelings," Inter Miami's head coach, Javier Mascherano, conveyed to reporters, a sentiment that resonated deeply within the squad. The road leading to this victory was fraught with challenges. Prior to the Seattle game, a shadow of two consecutive shutout losses loomed over the team. Injuries had taken their toll, depleting the roster, and suspensions further compounded the issue. Luis Suárez, still facing repercussions from his conduct in the Leagues Cup final, was sidelined, while Tomas Avilés served a suspension for a red card received against Charlotte FC. The bench on Tuesday bore witness to the team's limitations, with only six players available, including a pair of 18-year-old academy prospects and Mateo Silvetti, a 19-year-old recently acquired from Newell’s Old Boys.
Despite these hurdles, the victory propelled Inter Miami to fifth place in the Eastern Conference, amassing 49 points, a mere eight points shy of the leading Philadelphia Union. With three games in hand, the dream of replicating last season's triumph – clinching the top spot in the East and hoisting the coveted MLS Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record – remains within reach. However, the true north, the ultimate ambition that burns brightest, is to conquer the MLS Cup.
While some might argue that winning the Concacaf Champions Cup carries greater prestige due to its continental scope, or that the Supporters’ Shield mirrors the league titles celebrated in most global competitions, the MLS Cup holds a unique significance. It's the trophy that ignites the passion of the most important stakeholders: the fans. The memories of Atlanta United's electrifying victory in 2018, fueled by the brilliance of Miguel Almirón and Josef Martínez, the euphoria surrounding Carlos Vela, Gareth Bale, and the Mexican-American contingent with LAFC in 2022, and even the echoes of DC United's inaugural triumph in 1996 – all serve as testaments to the enduring legacy of the MLS Cup. This championship transcends mere sporting achievement; it becomes woven into the very fabric of a club's community and history.
Every team in MLS aspires to claim this coveted title, but Inter Miami's pursuit is imbued with an extraordinary dimension, a heightened sense of expectation that stems from the presence of Lionel Messi. A player with 46 trophies already adorning his illustrious career, Messi's arrival has amplified the pressure on the club to deliver a championship, to add another glittering piece of silverware to his overflowing collection. The spotlight shines not solely on Messi himself, but on the entire organization to rise to the occasion and etch their names in MLS history alongside the Argentinian superstar.
Since Messi's arrival, Inter Miami has blossomed into a marketing juggernaut, a prime attraction within the league, surpassed in value only by LAFC, according to Forbes. Data gleaned from research firm SponsorUnited reveals a staggering surge in subscriptions to MLS's Season Pass broadcast package on Apple TV, more than doubling since Messi's arrival. Sponsorship revenue has also witnessed a significant boost, jumping 13% last year to reach $665 million. The ripple effect of Messi's presence extends beyond Inter Miami, benefiting other clubs throughout the league. Sporting Kansas City, for instance, welcomed Inter Miami to the Kansas City Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium in 2024, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 72,610.
The anticipation surrounding Inter Miami's future home, Miami Freedom Park, is palpable. Set to open next year, there's a collective hope that Messi will continue to grace the field, leading the team into their new era. Jorge Mas, Inter Miami's owner, voiced his aspirations this summer, expressing his "wish, my dream would be for the No 10 to inaugurate our new stadium in March." He acknowledged that the ultimate decision rests with Messi, reiterating the club's desire for him to conclude his career in Miami.
As of now, no official confirmation regarding an extension has been made, but the allure of inaugurating the stadium as reigning MLS Cup champions is undoubtedly an enticing prospect for Messi. This scenario mirrors the dynamic he faced after finally capturing the 2022 World Cup. Despite being 34 years old, he chose to continue representing his country, driven by the desire to play as a world champion.
Inter Miami has achieved significant milestones during the Messi era, including a points record in a Supporters’ Shield season in 2024 and a commendable run to the round of 16 in the Club World Cup, highlighted by a 2-1 victory over FC Porto, a historic feat that saw them become the first Concacaf team to defeat a Uefa side in official competition.
However, the MLS Cup represents a distinct challenge – the culmination of playoffs that possess a unique intensity, a season within a season where regular-season results hold limited weight beyond determining matchups. Inter Miami is acutely aware of this dynamic, having experienced a shocking first-round upset last year. Javier Mascherano understands the urgency, recognizing that Messi, now 38, is approaching the twilight of his career. The imperative to secure a championship with Inter Miami is growing more pressing.
To maximize their chances of success, Inter Miami needs to establish a more consistent approach, both in their style of play and their overall mentality. Incidents such as Suárez's conduct in the Leagues Cup final are detrimental, and disciplinary issues have plagued the team. Despite playing fewer matches than most teams, Inter Miami ranks ninth in the disciplinary standings out of 30 clubs. Mascherano's managerial style mirrors his playing days – aggressive and passionate – which can be both a strength and a liability.
While Inter Miami's playoff berth seems highly probable, and the possibility of topping the East remains within reach due to a favorable schedule against lower-ranked teams, the ultimate objective transcends these achievements. The path to the MLS Cup is fraught with challenges, with formidable opponents such as the Philadelphia Union, FC Cincinnati, Charlotte FC, and their Florida rivals Orlando City standing in their way in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Most of those teams have already defeated Inter Miami this season. The Western conference also has quality teams such as San Diego FC, Son Heung-min’s LAFC, the tactically clever Minnesota United, history-making Vancouver Whitecaps, or a rematch against the Seattle Sounders,
The road to the MLS Cup is realistic and achievable for Inter Miami, but it is a road paved with obstacles, requiring unwavering determination, tactical astuteness, and a commitment to discipline. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the pursuit of glory begins.