Inter Miami | History, Kit, Sponsors, Trophies, Rivals and Club Value

History of Inter Miami

MLS commissioner Don Garber confirmed the league’s renewed interest in having a franchise in Miami. However, the region’s lack of interest in sports was cited as a reason for the city not getting a spot. FC Barcelona and Marcelo Claure, a Bolivian businessman based in Miami, announced an expansion bid in October 2008. It didn’t come to fruition as Barcelona dropped out of the venture.

Things were set into motion again in 2013 as David Beckham had a clause in his contract when he joined the league in 2007. Simon Fuller, Beckham’s business manager, offered Beckham a chance to purchase an expansion team for $25 million after he retired. As soon as the English icon called it a day, he set his sights on acquiring a club. The option was exercised in 2014 as Marcelo Claure joined his team again.

More and more influential businessmen were on board as the franchise status was awarded in 2018. The team was set to launch in the 2020 season as the twenty-fifth MLS franchise. The team generated great interest in footballing circles as it was headed by David Beckham. They had no problem getting top coaches and players, as it appeared as an attractive destination.

Inter Miami played their first-ever match in the MLS on March 1, 2020, against Los Angeles, losing 1-0. After the COVID-19 Pandemic disrupted their first season, they recorded their first victory in the Miami Derby against Orlando City SC. Despite managerial changes, the club struggled and spent multiple seasons either mid-table or at the bottom of the table. Phil Neville was appointed as manager with the hope of helping them reach the upper echelons. DeAndre Yedlin, one of America’s finest fullbacks, joined the club in 2022 and helped them gain more respect.

The club’s trajectory changed in June 2023 after parting ways with Neville. Lionel Messi left Europe and decided to join Inter Miami on a free transfer thanks to his great relationship with Beckham. Messi turned down interest from Al-Hilal and Barcelona to enjoy a new chapter in the United States. He was accompanied by his ex-teammate Sergio Busquets and ex-manager Gerardo Martino.

Messi’s unveiling ceremony at a sold-out Chase Park raked in billions of views worldwide. The club had become an overnight fan favourite for billions around the world. The shirt sales and merchandise were running out, and the stadium prices skyrocketed as people flocked to watch Inter Miami and Messi play.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner showcased his worth on the pitch as he made a fantastic debut in the 2023 League Cup by scoring a stoppage-time free-kick that helped them snap an 11-game winless run. Messi was in inspired form throughout the tournament and helped his side win their first-ever trophy by defeating Nashville SC in the finals on penalties. Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba joined the band of ex-Barcelona players at the club in 2023 as the club prepared for the upcoming season after finishing 14^th in the table in 2023. Lionel Messi was handed the armband, and what followed was history.

Inter Miami stormed to the Supporters’ Shield title with the highest-ever point tally in a league season. They won 22 games and lost only 4 after drawing eight times. They were the league’s highest-scoring side and enjoyed great success in most games thanks to their dominant core. Messi and Suarez scored 20 goals each as Alba supplied them with service and Busquets screened the defence excellently.

They suffered a reversal in the MLS Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup as well. In the new season, they hired Messi’s ex-teammate Javier Mascherano as the coach. They were invited to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on merit. This is one of the biggest challenges in the club’s nascent history. They must battle a long injury list to prove they belong among the world’s best.

Inter Miami Sponsors & Net Worth

Inter Miami’s net worth skyrocketed after Lionel Messi joined in the summer of 2023. According to Forbes, they are worth around USD 1.2 billion. The club is the second richest in the league behind Los Angeles FC. They are sponsored by giants from multiple industries. Royal Caribbean, the cruise liner, is the primary sponsor. Audi, Visa, Adidas, Duracell, JP Morgan Chase, Heineken, and Red Bull are all competing to be associated with the club. They raised their staggering net worth from ticket sales and partnerships.

Inter Miami Rivalries

Inter Miami has an intracity rivalry with USL Championship club Miami FC. It is dubbed the “Miami Clasico”.

Derbies

Inter Miami is locked in a “Florida Derby” with Orlando City SC. The Orlando-based club is Miami’s closest neighbour and the only other Florida-based team in the MLS. The derby is evenly matched, with both sides winning 5 games each and drawing 6 games.

Inter Miami Trophies & Achievements

Inter Miami struggled to establish itself as a genuine contender in the initial years. It took the arrival of Lionel Messi to shake up the entire mentality of the club. Messi helped them win the League Cup in 2023 with an extraordinary introduction. A host of superstars joined the club as they walked their way to their first-ever Supporters’ Shield in 2024.

Future Goals

Inter Miami, in its short history, is in its best era now. The club on the back of a league title is hunting it down again. They were invited to the Club World Cup as FIFA recognised their impressive growth from 2020-2024. With Javier Mascherano as the head coach, they are building towards the future by signing talented youngsters as well.
A move to the Miami Freedom Park is waiting in the wings. The dream stadium of David Beckham and Co. is under construction and will be opened in 2026. It is a pure soccer stadium with 25,000 capacity and will lead the club into a new era.