Inter Miami - Real Salt Lake summary: score, goals and highlights | MLS
Inter Miami - Real Salt Lake: As it happened
Inter Miami got the season off to a winning start but were far from convincing against Real Salt Lake on opening night.
The hosts had a hectic preseason schedule started this game as the fresher team. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez combined well in the early stages but it was the third forward, Robert Taylor, who scored the opener shortly before halftime.
After the break RSL came out like a new team and pinned Miami back. The visitors dominated for twenty minutes but failed to find the breakthrough. Drake Callender was called upon to make three big saves and Andres Gomez missed a gilt-edged chance.
Eventually a goal did come, but it fell to Inter Miami after a sharp counter-attacking move. Messi drove with the ball through the midfield and slipped a pass to Suarez in the box. The Uruguayan poked the ball to Diego Gomez and the youngster made no mistake.
Miami were able to see out the final ten minutes with minimal fuss and pick up a win on opening night. It was far from perfect, but it'll do for Inter Miami.
Suarez speaks to media after MLS debut
"I am so happy. It's the first game so to win at home is so important. Real Salt Lake are tough to play against."
"I want to help Inter Miami win something this year."
Inter Miami open with a win
Expectations could hardly be higher for Inter Miami this year and they have started the 2024 season with a win. There's a party atmosphere in Chase Stadium as the players wander the field, soaking in the good vibes after 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake.
Peeep peeeeep peeeeeeeep
That's all for the MLS season opener! Inter Miami have a hard-fought, if slightly fortuitous, victory over Real Salt Lake.
There's an opportunity for Leo Campana on the counter-attack. He has the ball at an angle on the right but can't quite make space for the shot.
Pablo Ruiz gets on the ball for RSL and takes aim from 30 yards. His low drive is sweetly-struck but it bounces wide of the post.
Nasty challenge from David Ruiz in the midfield. He catches Brody with a dangerous challenge but escapes a booking.
RSL have the free kick on the left flank. They'll launch it into the box from here.
There will be four minutes of added time at the end of the second half.
Another change for Inter Miami. Luis Suarez is off, Leo Campana comes on.
Messi magic opens RSL up!
Inter Miami come forward with Messi on the right flank and he drives in on goal. Squared up by two defenders Messi pauses and glides past the pair of them, before drawing a good save from MacMath.
So nearly a brilliant Messi goal.
RSL are still pushing forward but that spate of Miami substitutes has boosted their defences. They look much more solid now.
There's a party atmosphere in Miami now as the Herons close in on an opening night win.
So close for Suarez!
Brilliant play from Messi to scurry through the midfield and slide the ball to Gomez on the left. He squares the ball to Suarez at the far post but his effort is blocked on the line.
RSL survive, but only just.
What a moment for the young Paraguayan! Miami had been pinned back in the own box but they pounces when the moment arrived.
Messi pinched the ball in the midfield and charges forward towards the RSL goal. He passed to Suarez, who bounces it to Gomez. The youngster fired confidently home.
Goooaaaaal! Diego Gomez
It's against the run of play, but Inter Miami have a second goal!
Lionel Messi, to Luis Suarez, to Diego Gomez. Two-nil
RSL are racking up the passes in the past few minutes.
David Ruiz tries to pinch the ball off his namesake and gets a whack on the calf. Inter Miami clear but the young midfielder is staying down.
There's so much space for RSL on the transition now. Can they force the issue? Miami's defenders have looked pretty solid in their defensive duties so far.
Desperate defending from Miami as Kryvtsov boots the ball clear. RSL regain the ball and come straight back.
Brayan Vera picks up the ball and takes aim from 35 yards. Callender gets down well to smother the effort.
More sloppy play from Inter Miami as Yedlin loses the ball at right back. RSL stream forward but can't make space for a shot.
Diego Gomez does well to make a block.
Nearly a chance for RSL from a corner kick. Inter Miami look severely out-gunned from set pieces but Arango couldn't quite connect.
Three changes for Inter Miami.
Noah Allen, Jean Mota and David Ruiz come on. Gressel, Aviles and Taylor come off.
RSL are on the attack again and Anderson Julio whips a dangerous ball across the box from the right. Chicho Arango is lurking at the back post but bounces into Yedlin and tumble to the ground.
Arango is furious but the referee says no foul.
Good footwork from Aviles on the edge of his own box. He's looked composed tonight.
Inter Miami readying three changes.
Another switch for RSL. Diego Luna comes off for Noel Caliskan.
Big save from Drake Callender!
RSL win a corner and Ruiz swings it on the six-yard box. Glad connects brilliantly and forces a reaction stop from Callender.
Inter Miami survive.
Tata Martino must surely be thinking about some changes now. Inter Miami look very tired in the midfield.
Clever turn on the edge of the box from Diego Luna to make space for a shot. He shifts the ball onto his left foot but his effort flies over the bar.
Inter Miami are looking to slow the game down now. Playing the ball from side to side.
Messi gets on the ball and fires a through-ball out to Robert Taylor on the left, but the Fin hadn't read the pass.
Diego Gomez
The Miami youngster is penalised for a clumsy challenge on Luna.
Huge appeals for a free kick as Lionel Messi goes down on the edge of the box. Referee waves them away and awards an offside instead.
With those RSL changes Diego Luna has been installed as a pure No. 10 in the middle. He has been vocal about his desire to play more centrally, now's his chance.
Double change for RSL. Palacio and Gomez come off, Julio and Barajas replace them.
Big chance for RSL!
A spoke/typed too soon.
The visitors keep pushing and a ball into the box falls at the feet of Andres Gomez. He slashes his volley over the bar.
Twenty minutes into the second half it looks like Inter Miami have weathered that early spell of RSL pressure.
Taylor tries to feed the ball through to Suarez but Glad gets back ahead of him to clear the danger.
Suarez barges into him, unnecessarily.
The visitors come back up the field and Arango clips a clever pass forward to Andres Gomez. The RSL forward can't quite connect.
After a VAR check the officials are content to award the offside and RSL can get things started again.
Big chance for Inter Miami!
Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets play a clever one-two in the box. The Argentine strikes a shot on goal that cannons back off the hand of Ojeda.
Huge appeal for a penalty, but the game is pulled back for an offside. Busquets had strayed offside in the first phase.
Brilliant from Messi to hold the ball on the edge and slip a pass to Gressel on the right of the box. Gressel tries to pass the ball into the bottom corner but it's deflected wide for a corner kick.
Corner kick is cleared to the edge of the box and Pablo Ruiz hits a sweet volley. Kryvtsov makes a brave block and Arango headers the resultant cross over the bar.
Another sloppy giveaway from Inter Miami.
Aviles loses the ball to Arango and the Colombian charges in on goal. His effort is deflected wide and the visitors win a corner.
RSL enjoy a spell of possession in the Miami half. Diego Luna has been given much more freedom to roam in the second half and is taking up clever positions.
Astonishing footwork from Lionel Messi to slalom through four challenges in the RSL box. He gets to the byline and clips the ball to the back post.
Gressel connects with the cross on the volley but his effort rolls just wide of the post. So nearly a second.
Inter Miami break with Lionel Messi, who manages to fend off a series of RSL challenges. The ball is worked out to Suarez on the left.
Much more intent from RSL in the opening minutes of the second half.
They have upped the gears and are flooding forward now, pinning Miami back.
Another opening for RSL as Diego Gomez gives the ball away. Arango takes a shot and the ball bounces out for a corner kick.
RSL should score!
Bad mistake from Busquets to lose the ball on the edge of the box and Andres Gomez pounces. The RSL winger charges in on goal but fires wide from around the penalty spot.
Chicho Arango was standing in five yards of space and is absolutely furious at Gomez for taking on the shot himself.
RSL go long towards Chicho Arango, who crumples under a challenge from Kryvtsov on the edge of the box.
VAR does a quick check, but sees nothing amiss.
Good defending from Jordi Alba to dispossess Andres Gomez.
RSL come straight back on the attack but Arango loses the ball.
And we're back!
Real Salt Lake get the second half started in Miami...
/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/diarioas/FAPU7NZZYVCT5AQM2LG7HMPK74.jpeg)
Wondering about that little patch of Luis Suarez' jersey? It's the MLS Debut Patch, a new addition for the 2024 campaign.
Here's everything you need to know...
WATCH: Lionel Messi goes close with free kick
How many times have we seen Lionel Messi step up and curl a free kick into the top corner? He looked to have scored another in the first half against RSL, but for a brilliant piece of defensive play from Justen Glad.
What lessons, if any, can we take from that first half showing?
For one, Inter Miami look good. Much has been said about their less-than-ideal preseason performances but they have outplayed Real Salt Lake so far. The midfield trio has looked nicely balanced with Gomez and Gressel alongside Busquets. Messi and Suarez are starting to combine effectively up front.
On the other hand RSL have been off the pace, very passive and lacking any composure on the ball. Miami's press is unsettling the RSL defence and they are resorting to simply pumping the ball forward. Lone striker Chicho Arango is one of the best No. 9s in the league but even he can do little with the meagre service afforded to him.
WATCH: Robert Taylor goal puts Miami ahead
Here's the moment that Inter Miami made the breakthrough. Lionel Messi found a pocket of space in the midfield and pokes the ball through to Robert Taylor. The Finnish forward wastes little time and strikes low and hard on goal.
RSL keeper Zac MacMath does not cover himself in glory, letting the shot squirm through his hands and into the net.
Inter Miami lead at the break
The Herons are ahead, and they deserve it. Robert Taylor scores the first goal of the 2024 MLS season.
There's a late chance for RSL as Cristian Arango pounces on a bouncing ball on the edge of the box. He lashes a volley at goal but it flies well over the crossbar.
Lionel Messi fouls Brayan Vera as the RSL defender tries to play forward.
Pablo Ruiz loses out to Diego Gomez and Inter Miami win a throw in.
That's about it for the first half.
Inter Miami get the game restarted but lose the ball in the RSL half. Diego Luna looks to break forward but he's pulled back by Sergio Busquets.
Free kick to RSL.
Andrew Brody
The RSL defender has stayed down for a while. It looks like Gressel accidently stamped on his hand in the last play.
He is taken off the field for treatment.
There will be a minimum of three minutes of added time at the end of the first half.
Astonishing play from Lionel Messi.
He picks the ball up on the edge of the RSL box and looks to make space for the shot. RSL defender Brody is lying injured on the ground and Messi simply chips the ball over his prone body, collecting it on the other side.
His shot is subsequently blocked, but Messi's inventiveness is really somthing.
Out of possess Inter Miami look to have shifted to a 4-4-2, with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez playing as a rather distant strike force.
Diego Luna looks to get something started for RSL. He drives towards goal and tries to make space for a shot.
Kryvtsov gets to Luna well and blocks the effort.
Taylor picks up the ball in the RSL half and charges forward again. He turns down the chance to pass to both Messi and Suarez, deciding instead to shoot from range.
The shot is dragged wide and Taylor holds his hand up sheepishly.
Inter Miami are ahead and they thoroughly deserve their lead.
They have dominated the ball and looked solid at the back. All they'd been missing was a runner in behind, and that's exactly what Taylor provided there.
Gooooaaaaal! Robert Taylor
Inter Miami have the lead and it's Robert Taylor! The ball was worked out to a channel on the right flank and Taylor found space for a shot.
Messi slipped the ball through, Taylor finished from the angle. Miami lead!
A more composed spell on the ball from Inter Miami now. The Herons will need to keep possession this season, if only to allow their aging stars the chance to rest.
It's been a surprisingly coordinated start from Miami.
RSL break with Cristian Arango. The Colombian does brilliantly to hold the ball up but he's too isolated to mount an attack.
By the time his teammates have caught up the Miami midfield are back in shape and the chance has gone. Arango flaps his hands in frustration.
It's been a surprisingly timid start by RSL.
Nearly a calamity for Miami as Andres Gomez gets to a loose ball ahead of Callender. He's forced to take the ball wide and Miami clear.
Miami attack again with Taylor on the left flank. He slips the ball inside to Lionel Messi, who can't quite control the ball and it rolls away from him.
More good work from Miami.
Messi pings the corner kick to the far side of the box, towards the lurking Jordi Alba. The fullback catches the ball on the volley but his effort bounces well wide of the post.
More good attacking play from Inter Miami finds Gressel in space in the box. His volleyed effort deflects wide for a corner kick to the hosts.
Messi trots across to take it.
Arango is back on his feet and immediately involved.
The ball falls to him 30 yards from goal and he tries to curl one past Callender. It goes well over the bar.
A long ball forward from MacMath is battled for between Aviles and Arango. The Miami defender manages to manoeuvre himself in front but Arango goes down holding his face.
He stays down, forcing the game to be paused.
Diego Luna tries to bring RSL up the field but he's swamped in the midfield.
The visitors have struggled to get out in the opening half an hour. Its a good defensive start for Inter Miami.
Messi bends in a teasing delivery. RSL win the first header but the ball drops to Busquets.
The Spaniard attempts a clumsy volley but it's easily saved.
Good interplay from Messi and Suarez to bring Taylor into the game. The Finnish forward is clipped on the edge of the box, another free kick for Inter Miami.
This one is about 30 yards out, left of centre.
RSL try to play out from the back with MacMath but there's very few passing options in midfield. The Miami pressing structure is working well so far and they are frustrating the visitors.
There's a half chance for Luis Suarez but he can't quite reach a loose ball in the box. He's looked fairly sharp on the ball, but fitness is clearly an issue.
So close from Gomez!
Messi clips the ball forward towards Suarez. The ball drops on the edge of the box and Diego Gomez strikes low and hard from distance.
Top save from MacMath to keep it out.
Incredible attacking phase from Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez toy with the RSL backline in the box, twisting and turning to make space for a shot. Eventually the ball falls to the foot of Yedlin and he slams a volley wide of the post.
Good work from the hosts, who are starting to turn the screw.
Inter Miami are straight on the counter-attack with Taylor. He takes the ball wide before pulling it back to Suarez on the edge of the box.
Suarez looks to whip his shot into the bottom corner but it's easily saved.
Ruiz fires the ball out to Arango on the left flank and the Colombian charges at goal. He beats two Miami challenges before being muscled out.
RSL need a lot more of that from their captain.
Lionel Messi swings in a corner kick from the right. RSL get the ball clear and force Miami all the way back to Callender.
Messi free kick cleared off the line!
The Argentine's free kick is up and over the wall and appears to have the goalkeeper beaten. But, at the last moment, defender Justen Glad gets his head on the ball and clears it.
Pablo Ruiz
The RSL midfielder is booked for that foul. A little harsh, I thought.
Powerful run from Lionel Messi through the midfield. He's clipped on the edge of the box by Pablo Ruiz and wins a free kick around 25 yards from goal.
Messi range.
RSL close to an opener!
First clear opening of the game falls to Real Salt Lake!
A clever ball over the top finds Arango running off the should of the RSL defence. He bundles his way to a one-on-one, requiring a desperate challenge from Jordi Alba.
The Miami fullback was able to clear the ball, but that was good play from RSL.
Luis Suarez is down after a firm challenge from Brayan Vera.
Inter Miami win a free kick on the right flank. Messi goes over to take it, playing it short to Busquets.
It's been an impressive start from Inter Miami. They have looked surprisingly sharp out-of-possession, managing to hustle the ball off the RSL backline on more than one occasion.
Good hold-up play from Arango to bring his side up the field. The ball is played back to Luna, who tries an ambitious through-ball.
Inter Miami claim the loose pass.
Real Salt Lake make a first foray forward. The visitors look to find Arango in space on the edge but the move breaks down.
Good pressing from Miami to pinch the ball off the RSL backline. Messi picks up the ball and looks to play a quick one-two with Suarez on the edge of the box.
The idea is good but the execution a little sloppy. Real Salt Lake clear.
Long diagonal ball from Messi looking for Suarez. It's a little over hit and it bounces through to the RSL keeper.
Inter Miami win a free kick, around 40 yards from goal.
Messi takes it short to Gressel and the former Columbus midfielder whips in a cross from the right. The delivery is dangerous but bounces up off Suarez and goes out for a goal kick.
The corner is played short. Miami work the ball to Jordi Alba on the left flank to curl in a low cross. Suarez stretches to connect with the delivery but it's claimed by MacMath.
Diego Luna closes Lionel Messi down in midfield but the Argentine sweeps the ball out to Jordi Alba on the left.
The Spaniard wins a corner kick, Gressel to take it.
From the very start you can see the structure of this Inter Miami midfield. Sergio Busquets is sitting right on top of the defence, leaving Gressel and Gomez to break forward and cover the ground between the defence and the attack.
Nearly an opening for Inter Miami!
Luis Suarez clips the ball over the RSL defence for Lionel Messi. The Argentine stretches to reach it but visiting goalkeeper MacMath gets there first.
Positive opening seconds for Inter Miami. Lionel Messi drops deep to build the play, linking nicely with Busquets.
And we're off!
Inter Miami kick-start the 29th season of MLS action...
We are almost ready for kick-off now. The new season of MLS is nearly here!
Luis Suarez makes his Inter Miami debut
The Uruguayan goal-getter is in the starting XI tonight and makes his first competitive appearance for the Herons. Suarez will be wearing a 'MLS Debut Patch' for tonight's game.
Kick-off is fast approaching in Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale.
The players are out on the field, the stands are packed. Stay with us, this one could be a cracker...
/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/diarioas/G7PZUA5GF3X4EDO6G36DSCCCKA.jpg)
Is there a more famous pair of feet on the planet than Lionel Messi’s? Everyone will have their eyes on the Argentine’s feet for much of Inter Miami – Real Salt Lake and he has been gifted a new, personalised pair of his Adidas Gen10s for the occasion.
Here’s what they look like…
Welcome to Miami! Buenvenidos a Miami!
"Bouncin' in the club where the heat is on. All night, on the beach till the break of dawn."
Now 55 years old, Will Smith seems to have altered his vacation plans in Miami. The iconic actor/rapper/artist in in South Florida for tonight's MLS opener, Inter Miami against Real Salt Lake.
/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/diarioas/NTOKOMWPP3JZNTG7KQGV7QN7CE.jpg)
Wondering what to expect from Inter Miami tonight? Aren't we all.
The Herons have an incredible roster of experienced talents but we don't know if they can be moulded into a cohesive system, into a team that can overcome the various challenges that MLS throws at teams.
It's impossible to predict what this Inter Miami side can do, so we decided not to. Instead, here's what some of the players, coaches and experts had to say about the Herons...
Pre-match team talk from Pablo Mastroeni
Few head coaches in MLS manage the consistency that Real Salt Lake boss Pablo Mastroeni has brought to the club. Ahead of tonight's game Mastroeni spoke to his team about making the most of opportunities, crucial against a team as strong as Inter Miami.
Mastroeni has led the team to the playoffs in each of the last three seasons. He is the only current coach to manage that feat.
Here's what he had to say...
/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/diarioas/G25JLNGFNFAGDBVHVD37BBP7QI.jpg)
Carlos Gomez starts for Real Salt Lake this evening. The Colombian forward is still only 21 but will be looking to stake a claim for a permanent spot in the team this evening. He played 29 games for the team last year but returned just one goal.
Ahead of the game he spoke of his excitement to take on Lionel Messi: “It is a unique moment, obviously Lionel Messi has been an idol since I was little. I always dreamed of playing alongside him or against him. Hopefully, luck shines down on us. This is match we want to win."
Icons embrace in Miami
The stars are out tonight! Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham takes a moment out from his busy pre-game responsibilities to say hello to NFL star Chad Johnson, AKA Chad Ocho-Cinco.
He's not the first A-list celebrity to be drawn to Miami for a glimpse of the GOAT, and he won't be the last.
/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/diarioas/UZBOSYAIRRETDEQNJLCGFOLNOA.jpg)
If you're not sure what to expect tonight, expect goals. Both Inter Miami and Real Salt Lake are well-stocked in the attacking areas and a bit of early-season rust in the defences might give the forwards a little extra time at the crucial moment.
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Cristian Arango will all be targeting serious goal numbers this year. How many would they need to get to break the MLS record? We take a look...
Here's the Real Salt Lake starting XI...
The visitors are in attendance at Chase Stadium and it's a full-strength team for Pablo Mastroeni in this season opener. RSL start with a fearsome attacking trident: Diego Luna and Carlos Gomez start either side of newly-appointed club captain Cristian Arango.
Real Salt Lake in the house!
Pablo Mastroeni's side come into tonight's game as slight underdogs, but no one should underestimate the talent in this RSL side. They made it to the playoffs last season and were narrowly defeated by Houston Dynamo in a three-game series.
They are a team in the process of becoming more expansive, more attacking, and finally have the offensive firepower to pull it off.
/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/diarioas/DEPAANARDXRU7REBG7LAEVRLNU.jpg)
They say ‘If you’re good at something, never do it for free.’
Lionel Messi is, according to many soccer experts, the greatest player to ever draw breathe. As such it should be no surprise to learn that the Argentine is out on his own as the best-paid player in MLS. The deal required a herculean effort on the part of Inter Miami, requiring involvement from Apple, Adidas and MLS to get the contract in place.
His enormous salary has taken a big chunk out of the Herons’ financial capabilities. But, if he can reproduce last year’s Leagues Cup form, Messi may well be worth it.
Here's a full look at Inter Miami's salary spending...
We haven't had any word yet on the Real Salt Lake team for this evening's game, but we know a few of the ones to watch for Pablo Mastroeni's side.
DP striker Cristian Arango is among the most clinical forwards in the league and he has a wealth of experience. He also has a very impressive MLS record, winning MLS Cup in his only full season in the competition.
The loss of No. 10 Jefferson Savarino in the offseason may have looked like a blow for RSL, but they may have a ready-made replacement in the squad already. Diego Luna may only be 20 years old but the USMNT youngster is already an all-round attacking player. He offers real directness to the RSL attack and the creative spark to counter-act Mastroeni's more pragmatic sensibilities.
Those two can cause any MLS team real problems.
Real Salt Lake legend in Miami
Inter Miami assistant coach Javi Morales is a club legend for tonight's opponents, Real Salt Lake. Morales spent a decade with RSL and made more than 240 MLS appearances for the club. He was a key part of the team that lifted MLS Cup in 2009, to date their only major honour.
Another word on the Inter Miami line-up...
Finding a balance in midfield proved tricky for Tata Martino in the preseason fixtures. Sergio Busquets has incredible on-ball talents but he offers little out-of-possession, meaning that those around him must be able to cover ground and make dynamic runs.
Tonight Martino opts for Diego Gomez and Julian Gressel either side of him. Both players offer real energy and can ease the burden on Busquets. However, it remains to be seen if they can provide the required defensive stability in this front-foot team.
Will Lionel Messi start for Inter Miami?
He certainly will, in a front three alongside Luis Suarez and Robert Taylor.
Tata Martino opts for the 4-3-3 system used against Newell's Old Boys. Sergio Busquets features from the start but there's no place for Nicolas Freire as he recovers from an injury picked up in preseason.
Messi and Suarez arrive in Miami!
The sky is turning down in Southern Florida but the stars are out tonight. After a preseason of fitness concerns it was not always clear if Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez would be able to feature in Miami's opening game of the 2024 campaign.
But an optimistic press conference from Tata Martino earlier this week gave Miami fans hope and both players look to be in 'game mode' as they arrive at Chase Stadium this evening.
For a period in 2023, after the mid-season arrival of Lionel Messi, Inter Miami was the hottest ticket in all of sport. The Argentine marvel had fired the team to a Leagues Cup triumph and everyone from Prince Harry to Selena Gomez was packing into stadiums to see him play.
Things may be a little different this year, but the price of Inter Miami tickets remains pretty extraordinary. Here's everything you need to know...
Cristian Arango looking for more MLS success
Few players have made an immediate impact on MLS like Cristian ' Chicho' Arango. The Colombian forward signed for LAFC midway through the 2021 season and he hit the ground running, racking up 14 goals in 17 league matches in his debut season.
After being named MLS Newcomer of the Year for 2021, he continued his incredible output in 2022 and helped the team to the MLS Cup in his first full season in the league. He left for Mexico shortly afterwards but returned to MLS to sign for Real Salt Lake in 2023.
The last time Arango played a full season in MLS, his side were crowned champions.
Real Salt Lake look to build on 2023 progress
Inter Miami are many experts' preseason favourites but they face a tough opening night test against Real Salt Lake. Pablo Mastroeni's side have been very consistent in recent seasons, reaching the playoffs in each of the last three campaigns.
They are a team built in Mastroeni's pragmatic image but they now boast more than a sprinkling of quality offensive options. Diego Luna was one of the big breakthrough stars of 2023 and the 20-year-old looks set to light up the league this time around.
RSL are led by DP striker Cristian Arango, who was recently named club captain. Arango fired LAFC to the MLS Cup in 2022 and he will be looking to have a similar impact on Real's fortunes this year.
The stage is set in Miami
The crowds are starting to gather outside of Inter Miami's Chase Stadium as the excitement builds for this MLS season opener. The Herons struggled in preseason but will be looking to start the new campaign on a positive footing and Tata Martino is expected to name a full-strength side.
The jerseys of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are clearly displayed in the club's pre-game social media posts, suggesting that they're in line to start.
/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/diarioas/QVF2E2M6RZDZXJCEHIGAFS3O7M.jpg)
It's the big question ahead of every single Inter Miami game; will Lionel Messi play? This time there's good news for Miami supporters as it looks like the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is set to start.
Tata Martino spoke to reporters ahead of tonight's game and outlined the key pieces of team news.
What formation will Inter Miami play?
The Herons are still, despite an extensive preseason schedule, very much a work in process. They boast some of the most talented players of their generation but their aging bodies restrict what they can feasibly do, and places additional burdens on those around them.
Tata Martino began preseason with the same 3-5-2 system he favoured in 2023 but a string of poor results saw him change course. In the final preseason fixture he went with a 4-3-3, Messi and Diego Gomez playing either side of Luis Suarez.
After an improved performance against Newell's Old Boys, we're expecting a similar set-up from Miami tonight.
Real Salt Lake arrive in Miami
Nowhere in MLS is the spotlight greater than at Inter Miami's Chase Stadium. The eyes of the world will be on the Herons and Lionel Messi as he looks to lead them to MLS Cup glory. For RSL, tonight's opponents, this fixture is the perfect chance to stake a claim as the dark horses for 2024.
Pablo Mastroeni's side have made the playoffs in each of the last three seasons and they're looking to kick on this year.
Inter Miami are back in Miami for their 2024 opener, but it's slightly different to their 2023 home. The club's DRV PNK Stadium has been renamed the 'Chase Stadium' due to a new sponsorship agreement with the banking behemoth.
Wondering how many can fit in Miami's 'temporary' home? Bryan Arellano has everything you need to know right here...
Inter Miami return home after preseason exploits
Inter Miami managed to pack an awful lot into the space of three weeks. The Herons embarked on a globe-trotting preseason tour in a bid to cash-in on the incredible popularity of Lionel Messi.
Everywhere they went they drew crowds, but they didn't draw many games. In fact, they lost most of them.
After a slightly underwhelming slate of preseason performances the Herons return to MLS action on home turf. Throughout the preseason it looked like Messi, Suarez and co. were just going through the motions, saving their energies for the season start.
Now, it's time for them to deliver.
It seems like only yesterday that yellow and black confetti was flickering around the heads of the Columbus Crew players after Wilfried Nancy's team had clinched the 2023 MLS Cup.
But, alas, two and a half months has passed since that glorious day in Ohio and MLS is back for the new campaign. There's new stars and new storylines to look forward to this year, and it all starts tonight.
Inter Miami kick-start the season with a home game against Real Salt Lake, who will be looking to give one of the preseason favourites a bloody nose.
Let's see what they can muster. Away we go!