History and Achievements of Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami CF is a relatively young football club that has already made a name for itself on the global stage. Founded in 2018, the team made its MLS debut in 2020 and has since attracted attention from both American and international fans.

The idea of creating a professional football club in Miami was spearheaded by the investment group "Miami Beckham United," led by legendary English footballer David Beckham. After retiring from his playing career, Beckham sought to invest in the growth of football in the U.S., and Miami was a natural choice — a city rich in culture and passionate about sports.

In 2018, the official announcement of the club’s formation was made, and the team was named Inter Miami CF. By 2020, they had debuted in MLS, the top football league in the U.S. and Canada. Their first season was challenging, with the club facing the difficulties of adapting to a new league while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite the obstacles, Inter Miami demonstrated resilience and ambition.

Key moments in the club's history

Inter Miami CF is a relatively young but ambitious project that has been striving for top-club status in MLS since its founding in 2018. However, the arrival of Lionel Messi in 2023 marked a true turning point, changing the trajectory of the team forever.

Early Years and Development (2020–2022)

Inter Miami’s first MLS season in 2020 was a challenging one. Despite high expectations, the club finished 10th in the Eastern Conference. Nevertheless, it began attracting experienced players such as Gonzalo Higuaín and Blaise Matuidi, signaling its intent to grow.

In 2021, the team continued to build its identity but struggled with inconsistent results. Club leadership, including co-founder David Beckham, started exploring new strategies to elevate the team’s performance.

The Transformation of Inter Miami (2023)

A real breakthrough came in 2023 when the club announced the signing of Lionel Messi. This was a landmark moment in MLS history—never before had a World Cup champion and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner agreed to play in the American league.

How Did Messi’s Arrival Change Inter Miami?

• Surging Popularity
  Ticket sales skyrocketed, and the club’s social media following multiplied several times over.
• High-Profile Transfers
  Following Messi, his former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also joined the squad.
• First Trophy
  In 2023, Messi led Inter Miami to victory in the Leagues Cup, securing the club’s first title in its history.

2024: A Year of New Challenges and Ambitions

With Lionel Messi as its driving force, Inter Miami enters 2024 with aspirations of conquering MLS and the Leagues Cup once again. Squad reinforcements, tactical evolution, and unwavering fan support make this season one of the most highly anticipated in the club’s history.

One of Inter Miami’s co-founders, David Beckham, envisioned a team that would embody both the passion for soccer and the spirit of Miami. Reflecting on the club’s creation, he stated:

Beckham had secured the right to establish his own MLS club as part of his 2007 contract with the LA Galaxy. He ultimately exercised this option a decade later, launching Inter Miami CF.

Today, Inter Miami is more than just a club — it is a global football brand that continues to grow, fueled by the influence of Messi and other star players.

Lionel Messi in Inter Miami

Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers in history, with a career filled with records, trophies, and legendary moments before his move to Inter Miami in 2023. He spent over 20 years at Barcelona, having joined the club’s academy, La Masia, at the age of 13 after leaving Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys. His talent quickly flourished, and by 2004, he made his debut for the first team.

Achievements with Barcelona

• 10-time La Liga champion
• 4-time UEFA Champions League winner
• 7-time Copa del Rey winner
• 6 Ballon d’Or titles (while playing for Barça)
• Barcelona’s all-time top scorer (672 goals)

Messi became the face of Barcelona and its greatest icon. In 2012, he set an unbelievable record, scoring 91 goals in a single calendar year. However, due to financial struggles, Barcelona was unable to renew his contract, forcing him to leave for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). In Paris, he won two Ligue 1 titles and continued to display his brilliance, though adapting to a new environment wasn’t easy.

The pinnacle of Messi’s career came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he led Argentina to victory, winning the tournament’s Best Player award and scoring seven goals, including two in the final against France. After his PSG contract ended in 2023, Messi made the stunning decision to continue his career in the United States, choosing Inter Miami. This move sent shockwaves through the football world and significantly boosted global interest in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Why Did Lionel Messi Choose Inter Miami?

Following the expiration of his contract with PSG in 2023, Messi faced a difficult decision with several enticing offers on the table:

• A return to Barcelona
  His beloved club, but financial difficulties made the transfer nearly impossible.
• A move to Saudi Arabia
  Al-Hilal reportedly offered an astronomical salary (rumored to be over $400 million per year).
• A new challenge in the United States
  Inter Miami’s offer was about more than just football—it was a long-term vision.

Messi on His Decision:

Key Reasons Behind the Move

• Family and Lifestyle
  After years of intense competition in Europe, Messi sought a more relaxed environment for himself and his family. Miami, where many of his relatives and friends already lived, provided the perfect balance. It also allowed him to escape the relentless pressure of European media.
• Becoming an MLS Ambassador
  Messi’s arrival wasn’t just about playing—it was part of a broader strategy to elevate soccer in the U.S. Much like David Beckham transformed MLS in the past, Messi’s presence is taking the league’s popularity to new heights.
• Future Club Ownership
  Reports suggest that Messi has an option to become a part-owner of Inter Miami after retiring, similar to Beckham’s deal. This move secures not just his football legacy but also his business future.
• Lucrative Contract and Bonuses
  Messi’s deal with Inter Miami includes not just a salary but also revenue shares from MLS, including partnerships with Apple and Adidas.
• Reuniting with Old Friends
  Following Messi’s move, Inter Miami also signed Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and later Luis Suárez—essentially creating a Barcelona reunion in America.

This transfer became the most groundbreaking move in American soccer history. In his very first season, Messi elevated Inter Miami to new heights, and his debut goal—a stunning last-minute free-kick—became the perfect symbol of a new era for MLS.

Who played for Inter Miami: Stars and Future Talents

While Lionel Messi’s signing was the biggest moment in the club’s history, Inter Miami has welcomed several other high-profile footballers over the years.

Notable Players of Inter Miami

• Gonzalo Higuaín (2020–2022)
  A former Argentina international and ex-striker for Real Madrid and Juventus, Higuaín was one of the club’s first marquee signings. He spent three seasons in Miami before retiring from professional football.
• Blaise Matuidi (2020–2022)
  A 2018 World Cup champion with France, Matuidi previously played for PSG and Juventus before making the move to the U.S. His transfer raised financial fair play concerns, but he played a key role in strengthening the team’s midfield.
• Sergio Busquets (since 2023)
  A Barcelona legend and one of the best defensive midfielders in history, Busquets joined the club right after Messi to reunite with his former captain.
• Jordi Alba (since 2023)
  Messi’s longtime left-wing partner at Barcelona, Alba continues to provide key assists and contribute to Inter Miami’s attacking play.
• Luis Suárez (since 2024)
  The Uruguayan striker, a former Barcelona star and one of the greatest forwards of the 21st century, joined his old teammates in Miami to finish his career on a high note.

Young and Promising Talents

• Benjamin Cremaschi (Midfielder, USA/Argentina, born 2005)
  A rising talent who has caught the attention of the U.S. national team and already received a senior call-up. He is widely regarded as one of the club’s future stars.
• David Ruiz (Midfielder, Honduras, born 2004)
  A standout player from the club’s academy, Ruiz has broken into the first team and is showing remarkable maturity on the pitch.
• Leonardo Campana (Forward, Ecuador, born 2000)
  A fast and technically gifted striker, Campana has been a key part of Inter Miami’s attack for several seasons. In 2023, he established himself as a crucial first-team player.

Inter Miami’s blend of experienced superstars and exciting young prospects makes the club a true force in MLS, with a bright future ahead.

Coaching staff and tactics

Head Coach — Gerardo "Tata" Martino (since 2023). An experienced Argentine manager, Martino previously worked with Messi at Barcelona and the Argentina national team. He also led Atlanta United to an MLS Cup victory in 2018. Known for his attacking, possession-based style, he has built a system perfectly suited for Messi and his teammates.
Assistant Coaches:

• Javier Morales
  A former MLS player, responsible for tactics.
• Jorge Teller
  Fitness coach, formerly with the Argentina national team.
• Goalkeeping Coach – Sebastián Sainz
  A specialist in training elite shot-stoppers.

Under Martino’s leadership, the team has been developing its own identity. In 2023, he guided Inter Miami to its first major trophy—the Leagues Cup—and has his sights set on winning the MLS championship in 2024.

Inter Miami Kit and Crest: Style and Symbolism

Inter Miami isn’t just a football club — it’s the embodiment of South Florida’s spirit. Here, football meets art, culture blends with fashion, and every detail, from the kit to the emblem, carries a deeper meaning.

From the moment the team appeared on the football map, its identity stood out. In a world where most clubs opt for classic colors — red, blue, black, or white — Inter Miami chose pink. This wasn’t just a stylistic decision; it was a statement — a club that dares to challenge traditions and bring a fresh, bold aesthetic to the game.

The Iconic Kits

• Home Kit
  A soft powder pink, instantly evoking images of flamingos, the neon lights of Ocean Drive, and breathtaking sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean. This color reflects the soul of Miami — passion, energy, and Southern romance. Paired with subtle black accents, the pink isn’t just eye-catching — it’s elegant and stylish.
• Away Kit
  When Inter Miami plays on the road, the gentle hues give way to a deep black. Yet even in this darkness, fine pink lines shine through, like city lights reflecting on the smooth ocean surface. This kit blends power, audacity, and modern sophistication, reinforcing the club’s bold identity.
• Alternate Kit
  The club has also introduced a white jersey, symbolizing freshness, lightness, and purity. Combined with pink details, this design exudes refinement and elegance, reminiscent of waves gently crashing onto the pristine sands of Miami Beach.

The Inter Miami Emblem: A Symbol of Motion and Freedom

One of the most mysterious and visually stunning logos in world football belongs to Inter Miami. More than just a badge, it tells the story of the club’s essence.

• At the heart of the emblem stand two white herons, their backs to each other. These graceful birds, native to South Florida, symbolize freedom, movement, and the relentless pursuit of victory. Their long, elegant necks intertwine to form the letter "M", reinforcing the club’s deep connection to its city.
• Behind the birds, a radiant sun shines, its rays extending outward—a symbol of a new era in American football, representing the club’s rapid rise, its ambition, and a future that is only just beginning.
• The black-and-pink color scheme reflects elegance, passion, and the unique lifestyle of Miami, making the club instantly recognizable and unmistakably one-of-a-kind.
• The logo also features the club’s founding year, 2018, a reminder that despite its youth, Inter Miami has already made an indelible mark on the football world.

Inter Miami is not just a team—it’s a movement, a club that redefines football culture with style, ambition, and a fearless vision for the future.

Conflict with Milan's Inter

The legal dispute between Inter Miami and Inter Milan began even before the Miami club made its official MLS debut. The Italian giant filed a lawsuit in 2019, claiming exclusive rights to the use of the word “Inter” in a football-related context.

Arguments from Both Sides

• Inter Milan’s Claim: The Italian club argued that “Inter” is a registered trademark and that Miami’s use of the name could mislead fans and infringe on their brand rights.
• MLS’s Defense: Major League Soccer, representing Inter Miami, countered that “Inter” is a widely used term in football. They pointed to other clubs like Internacional (Brazil) and Inter Baku (Azerbaijan) as examples, arguing that the word does not belong exclusively to the Milanese club.

After years of legal proceedings, Inter Milan won the case in the U.S. However, despite this victory, Inter Miami was not forced to change its name. The exact legal terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, but it is likely that MLS reached a licensing agreement or found a workaround to avoid direct legal repercussions.

In practical terms, this means that while Inter Milan secured exclusive rights to the “Inter” brand in the U.S., it could not prevent the continued use of the name “Inter Miami.” As a result, both clubs continue to coexist unchanged, though the legal battle has left a lasting mark on the history of the American club.

How to attend an Inter Miami match

Seeing Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba play live is a dream for many football fans. Inter Miami’s home matches take place at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, just a 40-minute drive from downtown Miami. The stadium has become a true football mecca in the U.S., attracting fans from all over the world.

Ticket Demand and Pricing

With global superstars on the team, Inter Miami tickets sell out fast, making early booking essential. Prices vary depending on the match and seating location:

• Standard Tickets
  $80 to $500 per seat
• VIP & Premium Sections
  Starting at $1,000 and up
• High-profile matches (e.g., against LA Galaxy or Atlanta United) can cost several thousand dollars per ticket.

For fans eager to witness football history in the making, securing a ticket early is a must!

Attend the game with American Butler

Inter Miami has made an impressive journey from an MLS newcomer to one of the league’s top clubs. With strong leadership, strategic signings, and passionate fan support, the team has become a major force in American soccer. Looking ahead, Inter Miami has ambitious goals, and all signs point to the club being ready to achieve them.

Experience Inter Miami Live with American Butler

Planning a trip to Florida and want to witness Inter Miami in action? American Butler is here to make your experience unforgettable. We offer:

• Premium match tickets with the best stadium views
• Luxury apartment bookings for your stay
• Transfers and car rentals for a seamless travel experience

Let the experts handle the details — contact American Butler today and treat yourself to an unforgettable football adventure!