The Daily Heron: Inter Miami’s ‘Euforia’ kit unveiled, Messi effect triumphs in Tampa

‘Euforia’ kit features pink-tinted nod to Argentina’s national team

By now, most Inter Miami fans have seen the Herons’ new “Euforia” kits, but I wanted to share the nice photo above because, to be honest, it helped change my mind about the shirt. Earlier photos seemed to me to be a muddy mess of pink and whatever last year’s color is called. Some of the content creators I follow and respect have raved about the two-toned pink vertical stripes and noted the design’s nod to the timeless beauty of Argentina’s blue-and-white striped kit, but I wasn’t getting it.

Upon further review, I approve. I agree with the guys at the Battered Herons podcast that this jersey over black shorts could make Inter Miami the league’s best-dressed in 2025. Now if I can figure out how to get my wife to let me buy another kit….

Messi’s magic brings smiles and lifetime memories to Tampa Bay. Lionel Messi announced he would sign with Inter Miami in June 2023, about 18 months ago. Are Herons’ fans beginning to take history’s greatest footballer for granted? Maybe, maybe not. But the recently concluded “Americas Tour” series of preseason matches was a tremendous reminder of Messi’s mass appeal. The Herons played in Las Vegas, Peru, Panama and Honduras before wrapping up their preseason preparation with a match against Orlando City SC at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The question most asked leading up to the match at each venue was “will Messi play?” closely followed by “how long will Messi play?” The stands at each stadium were sprinkled — often liberally — with Inter Miami’s pink-and-black jerseys, most of them with Messi’s name and number. His name was chanted almost constantly.

The “Messi Effect” is real, and it’s incredible, and it’s fun. John Romano perfectly captured the experience in an article he wrote for the Tampa Bay Times; check that out see John Romano’s storyhere.

"…you can’t put a price tag on the opportunity for kids in our community to have a chance to see the greatest of all time with their own eyes. He puts us on a global stage, he gives us a strong infusion financially, but the intangibles for the next generation are even stronger.”"

Rob Higgins, Tampa Bay Sports Commission