Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, also referred to as Inter Miami CF or Inter Miami or Inter de Miami is an American professional soccer club based in the Miami metropolitan area.
Major League Soccer (MLS) formally accepted David Beckham’s Miami expansion team on 29 January 2018. The team has signed a number of well-known players, including Blaise Matuidi, Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Lionel Messi, and Luis Suárez, since it started competing in the Eastern Conference in the 2020 season.
The club attracted attention from around the world both before and after it was founded, thanks to Beckham, the club president and co-owner, and again in 2023 with Messi’s free transfer signing. Following the signing, the squad won its first significant trophy—the expanded 2023 Leagues Cup—in the CONCACAF North American competitions.
This achievement also earned the team a first-time qualification to the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup. With a projected worth of $1.03 billion by Forbes as of 2024, the team is ranked second in the league after Los Angeles FC.
Miami Beckham United was the original name of the franchise’s ownership group when it was founded in 2013, however, it currently goes by Miami Freedom Park LLC. Bolivian businessman Marcelo Claure, who resides in Miami, led the initial ownership group. In 2017, Masayoshi Son and brothers Jorge and Jose Mas joined the ownership group. The initiative started with a 2007 MLS contract that David Beckham signed, joining LA Galaxy and securing a lower franchise fee to buy an additional team.
It was revealed on September 17, 2021, that Beckham and the Mas brothers had acquired Claure and Son’s ownership group shares. The ownership group also included Ares Management.
Origins of Inter Miami CF
After FC Barcelona and Miami-based Bolivian telecom entrepreneur Marcelo Claure lost their 2009 expansion bid, and the Miami Fusion folded after the 2001 season, MLS commissioner Don Garber announced in November 2012 that the league was once again interested in locating an expansion franchise in Miami.
In October 2008, a Miami expansion club led by Barcelona and local billionaire Marcelo Claure, a Bolivian, revealed their intention to expand, with hopes to start play in 2011. Miami was withdrawn from consideration by the league and Barcelona in March 2009 because of regional market circumstances.
MLS also voiced worries over Miami’s low fan interest in an MLS team and Miami FC’s poor performance in the USL. Intending to use FIU Stadium, which would have made the team a minor tenant in a college football stadium with synthetic turf. Garber did state that Miami would be considered for expansion in the future. Later, Claure became one of the investors in David Beckham’s group for the Miami expansion bid, which the league approved in 2014.
Inter Miami: History & Present
Formation and Launch
Following years of planning and negotiations, Inter Miami was officially awarded the twenty-fifth MLS franchise in January 2018. The team was set to launch in the 2020 season, joining the league’s expansion drive. With Diego Alonso appointed as the inaugural head coach, the club began preparations for its debut season.
Early Years (2020-2023)
Inter Miami’s debut MLS game took place in March 2020, marking the beginning of its journey in professional soccer. Despite initial challenges and setbacks, including roster rule violations and managerial changes, the club steadily established itself in the league.
Notable signings, such as Rodolfo Pizarro and Gonzalo Higuaín, contributed to the team’s growth and development.
Milestones and Challenges
Throughout its early years, Inter Miami experienced significant milestones and challenges. From securing its first franchise victory to facing disciplinary actions from the league, the club navigated various highs and lows. The acquisition of talented players like Leonardo Campana and DeAndre Yedlin bolstered Inter Miami’s roster and added depth to the squad.
Future Outlook
As Inter Miami continues to evolve and adapt, the club remains focused on its long-term objectives. With a commitment to success both on and off the field, Inter Miami aims to establish itself as a competitive force in MLS while fostering a strong connection with its fanbase and the local community.
Inter Miami 2023-24 Squad (as of April 28, 2024)
| No. | Pos. | Nation | Player |
| 1 | GK | USA | Drake Callender |
| 5 | MF | ESP | Sergio Busquets |
| 6 | DF | ARG | Tomás Avilés |
| 7 | MF | PAR | Matías Rojas |
| 8 | FW | ECU | Leonardo Campana |
| 9 | FW | URU | Luis Suárez |
| 10 | FW | ARG | Lionel Messi (C) |
| 11 | MF | ARG | Facundo Farias |
| 13 | GK | USA | CJ Dos Santos |
| 15 | DF | USA | Ryan Sailor |
| 16 | FW | FIN | Robert Taylor |
| 17 | DF | USA | Ian Fray |
| 18 | DF | ESP | Jordi Alba |
| 19 | FW | USA | Robbie Robinson |
| 20 | MF | PAR | Diego Gomez |
| 21 | DF | ARG | Nicholas Freire (Loan) |
| 24 | MF | USA | Julian Gressel |
| 26 | DF | USA | Tyler Hall |
| 27 | DF | UKR | Serhiy Kryvtsov |
| 30 | MF | USA | Benjamin Cremaschi |
| 32 | DF | USA | Noah Allen |
| 33 | DF | ARG | Franco Negri |
| 35 | FW | USA | Felipe Valencia |
| 41 | MF | HON | David Ruiz |
| 42 | DF | ITA | Yannick Bright |
| 43 | MF | USA | Lawson Sunderland |
| 49 | FW | HAI | ShanyderBorgelin |
| 55 | MF | ARG | Federico Redondo |
| 57 | DF | ARG | Marco Weigandt |
| 62 | DF | DOM | Israel Boatwright |
| 73 | FW | BRA | Leo Afonso |
| 81 | MF | USA | Santiago Morales |
| 99 | GK | USA | Cole Jensen |
Key Highlights of the Current Era
- June 1, 2023: Inter Miami parted ways with Phil Neville, with the club at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
- June 5, 2023: Lionel Messi announced his intention to join Inter Miami as a free agent.
- July 15, 2023: Messi signed his Designated Player contract, committing to the club until the end of the 2025 MLS season.
- July 16, 2023: Messi and Sergio Busquets were unveiled at Inter Miami, with Jordi Alba joining five days later.
- July 21, 2023: Messi and Busquets made their debuts in a 2–1 win over Cruz Azul in the 2023 Leagues Cup, with Messi scoring the winning goal.
- August 19, 2023: Inter Miami won the 2023 Leagues Cup, defeating Nashville SC in penalties.
- August 23, 2023: Inter Miami advanced to the CONCACAF Champions Cup for the first time after winning the Leagues Cup.
- August 26, 2023: Messi, Busquets, and Alba made their MLS debuts in a 2–0 victory over New York Red Bulls.
- October 7, 2023: Inter Miami’s defeat to FC Cincinnati dashed their hopes of making the MLS playoffs.
- October 21, 2023: Despite Messi’s presence, Inter Miami lost to Charlotte FC, marking his first game on artificial turf in away colors.
- October 30, 2023: Messi won his 8th Ballon d’Or while at Inter Miami, making the club the only MLS team with a current Ballon d’Or winner.
- December 22, 2023: Luis Suárez officially joined Inter Miami for the 2024 season.
- 2024 Preseason: Inter Miami played several preseason matches, including ones against El Salvador national team, FC Dallas, and others.
- February 23, 2024: Federico Redondo completed his transfer to Inter Miami, joining under the U22 Initiative.
- March 4, 2024: DeAndre Yedlin announced his move to FC Cincinnati.
FAQs
Q- Who owns Inter Miami?
Inter Miami is owned by an investment group called Miami Freedom Park LLC, which includes David Beckham as one of the owners.
Q- When did Messi join Inter Miami?
Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami as a free agent on July 15, 2023, signing a
Designated Player contract.
Q- Where does Inter Miami play?
Inter Miami plays its home matches at DRV PNK Stadium, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Q- Does David Beckham own Inter Miami?
Yes, David Beckham is one of the owners of Inter Miami as part of the Miami Freedom Park LLC investment group.
Q- What channel is Inter Miami on?
The broadcast channels for Inter Miami matches may vary depending on the specific game and broadcasting rights agreements. Typically, MLS matches, including Inter Miami games, are broadcast on networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, Univision, and TUDN. Additionally, local broadcasts may be available on regional sports networks or streaming platforms like ESPN+ or Paramount+.