What does the CF in Inter Miami CF mean?

The world has learned a thing or two about Inter Miami and even Major League Soccer in the last couple of months or so, which was the whole point of signing former Barcelona star Lionel Messi all along.

Although your casual soccer fan knew David Beckham was the mastermind behind the club, did they know that the Florida club played their home games at DRV PNK Stadium? Did they know they were nicknamed The Herons? Well, they do now.

Lionel Messi’s fairtytale start at Inter Miami

In a matter of weeks, Messi has gone a long way to turning what is currently MLS’ worst team (they sit bottom of both the Eastern Conference and the overall standings) into its most talked about one all around the planet, which even global icon Beckham had struggled to achieve alone.

After stealing the show on his debut with an injury-time free-kick to win the Leagues Cup fixture against Liga MX club Cruz Azul, Messi is expected to make his first start for his new team when they tackle Atlanta United in the same competition in Florida on Tuesday.

Watch Messi, Miami and the rest of the Leagues Cup on AppleTV (free trial available)

Messi leads soccer revolation; Mbappé to follow?

Messi’s move to Miami is, perhaps, the epitome of the soccer revolution currently taking place, with Al Hilal hoping to make what would arguably be an even bigger splash this summer by enticing Paris Saint-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappé, aged 24 and at the peak of his powers, to the Saudi Pro League.

Inter Miami didn’t even exist until 29 January 2018 and now, five-and-a-half years later, they have perhaps the greatest player in history turning out for them. And the fact that he is Latin American and a native Spanish speaker won’t be lost on many.

Inter Miami tribute to Spanish-speaking population

The club’s full name is Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, with English-speaking media often tagging CF onto the end of the anglicised Inter Miami. Anyone who has visited the city will likely be aware as to why they have gone down the Spanish route.

According to a 2020 census, over 70% of the population of Miami is of hispanic or latino heritage, with a 2015 survey revealing that the same figure spoke Spanish at home. Speaking at the club’s name reveal, Beckham’s co-owner Jorge Mas, who was born in the city but is of Cuban descent, explained: “Our city and our fans draw their strength from the dreams of a global population that calls Miami home. It is only fitting that our name pays tribute to the inclusiveness that makes us who we are.”