MLS
Why the pressure is on for Messi and Inter Miami to deliver in 2025
After a historic year for Inter Miami in the MLS regular season, there are no more excuses for 2025.
Inter Miami’s 2024 campaign will be remembered as a milestone in the club’s history. The team achieved the highest points total in a single MLS season and made its debut in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Additionally, Lionel Messi was crowned MVP of the season, further cementing his impact on the league.
However, not everything went according to plan. Despite their strong performances, Miami ended the year without securing any silverware, leaving fans with more questions than answers. Their CONCACAF journey was cut short by Monterrey, and Atlanta United dashed their playoff hopes.
The project showed promise, but the unexpected departure of head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino marked the start of a new era. With high expectations and no margin for error, the pressure is on Javier Mascherano, who steps into a role where patience is scarce, and success is a must.
Inter Miami’s lone title remains the 2023 Leagues Cup, won in dramatic fashion against Nashville SC in a penalty shootout. But with superstars like Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez, fans demand more.
What lies ahead for Inter Miami in 2025
The 2025 season presents a packed schedule for Inter Miami, starting with their CONCACAF Champions Cup campaign, where they’ll face Sporting Kansas City in the first round. The team will also compete in the MLS and were invited to participate in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, hosted in the United States.
The Club World Cup will feature football giants like Manchester City, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, PSG, and Atlético Madrid. While lifting the trophy in such a competitive field may be an ambitious goal, success in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and MLS appears more attainable.
Club owner Jorge Mas has promised another star signing to strengthen the squad. To facilitate this, the club freed up a designated player slot by parting ways with Ecuadorian forward Leonardo Campana.
With a roster brimming with talent and a dedicated fan base, 2025 is poised to be a defining year for Inter Miami - but not one without a huge amount of pressure to deliver on this multi-million dollar project.
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