Inter Miami: From Humble Beginnings to Lionel Messi

Inter Miami started in 2020 under the shadow of the success of Los Angeles FC. They have grown to be one of the most watched clubs in Major League Soccer.
Cruz Azul v Inter Miami CF - Leagues Cup 2023
Cruz Azul v Inter Miami CF - Leagues Cup 2023 / Anadolu Agency/GettyImages
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Inter Miami, also known as the Herons, has become the talk of the town in Major League Soccer after making the greatest signing in the club's history.

The Argentine magician, Lionel Messi, along with his Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, has brought the spotlight to the league.

Miami's new soccer team Inter Miami CF
Miami's new soccer team Inter Miami CF / Anadolu Agency/GettyImages

The club has become a significant force in MLS just five years after its founding.

Inter Miami's Humble Beginnings

Inter Miami officially kicked off on January 29, 2018, as the 25th team in Major League Soccer. It was founded by a group of Miami-based investors and entrepreneurs, including former English midfielder David Beckham.

Other stakeholders include Marcelo Claure, Jorge Mas, and Masayoshi Son. Mas serves as the team's Managing Owner and CEO, while Beckham is a co-owner and serves as the team's President of Soccer Operations.

Jorge Mas, Jose Mas, David Beckham
Leagues Cup 2023: Cruz Azul v Inter Miami CF / Megan Briggs/GettyImages

The first challenge for the owners of Inter Miami was to find a suitable location for their home ground. In March 2020, the Herons started using DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale as their home ground, which they will continue to use until their permanent stadium, Miami Freedom Park, is completed around early 2025.

The new stadium is estimated to have 25,000 seats, and its construction was approved following a public referendum in November 2018.

Inter Miami Gets Underway in 2020

Inter Miami's first official season began in 2020. Their opening match was a 1-0 loss to Los Angeles FC. Their first win was a 3-2 victory over Florida rivals Orlando City in August of that year.

The Herons finished 10th in the Eastern Conference in their inaugural year.

In 2021, they played 28 games, ending the season in the 11th position in the league table, with 8 wins, 13 losses, and 7 draws.

However, in 2022, finished sixth in the Eastern Conference and earned a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs.

In 2023, they have completed several star signings, including the biggest signing in the club's history, as they aim for trophies.

Throughout its short history, Inter Miami has already seen some star players don their jersey, including Messi's Argentine teammate Gonzalo Higuain.

This year, they made major acquisitions in Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets to strengthen their team. Fellow Barcelona product Jordi Alba is expected to join the squad soon.

There are also potential rumors of signing other star players like Sergio Ramos. If they can finalize these signings and bolster other positions, they have a chance to rewrite their history in MLS.