What Happened to Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami (Inter Miami CF)?
Inter Miami CF is an American professional soccer club co-owned by David Beckham, Jorge Mas, and Jose Mas, which began play in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2020. After initial seasons, the club's trajectory dramatically shifted with the arrival of global superstar Lionel Messi in 2023, leading to multiple trophy wins and a significant increase in its international profile and commercial value. The team moved into its new permanent home, Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park, in April 2026.
Quick Answer
Inter Miami CF has transformed into a dominant force in Major League Soccer since Lionel Messi's arrival in 2023. The club secured its first major trophy, the Leagues Cup, in 2023, followed by the Supporters' Shield in 2024, the MLS Cup in 2025, and the Campeones Cup in 2026. As of September 2026, Inter Miami plays its home matches at the newly opened Nu Stadium within Miami Freedom Park and continues to be a top contender in the MLS Eastern Conference, with Messi remaining a key player and top scorer.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
MLS Awards Expansion Team to Miami
Major League Soccer officially approved the Miami expansion team, led by David Beckham and his ownership group, after a prolonged effort to establish a new top-flight professional club in the city.
Club Name and Crest Unveiled
The club's official name, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami (Inter Miami CF), and its Art Deco-inspired crest featuring two white herons, were announced.
Lockhart Stadium Demolition for New Facilities
A ceremony marked the demolition of the former Lockhart Stadium, making way for the construction of Inter Miami CF's interim stadium (Chase Stadium) and permanent training center.
Inaugural MLS Season Begins
Inter Miami CF played its first-ever MLS match, marking its debut in the league. The inaugural season was significantly impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Lionel Messi Signs with Inter Miami CF
Global football icon Lionel Messi officially joined Inter Miami CF, a move that dramatically increased the club's international visibility and on-field expectations.
Wins First Major Trophy: Leagues Cup
Inter Miami CF secured its first major trophy, the Leagues Cup, defeating Nashville SC in a dramatic final. Lionel Messi was the tournament's top scorer and MVP.
Luis Suárez Joins Inter Miami
Uruguayan forward Luis Suárez, another former Barcelona teammate of Messi, signed with Inter Miami CF, further strengthening the team's attacking prowess.
Wins Supporters' Shield and Sets MLS Points Record
Inter Miami CF had its best regular season, winning the Supporters' Shield and setting a new record for the most points accumulated in a single MLS season.
Clinches First MLS Cup Title
Inter Miami CF won its first MLS Cup, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final, capping a remarkable transformation into league champions.
Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park Opens
Inter Miami CF played its first MLS home match at the new 26,700-seat Nu Stadium, located within the Miami Freedom Park development, marking the club's move to its permanent home.
Wins Campeones Cup; Messi Scores 100th Goal
Inter Miami CF defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the Campeones Cup, securing another piece of silverware. In the same match, Lionel Messi scored his 100th career goal for Inter Miami.
Draws with San Diego FC in MLS Action
Inter Miami CF drew 2-2 at home against San Diego FC in MLS regular season action at Nu Stadium. Lionel Messi scored his 20th MLS goal of the season, and Luis Suárez also found the net.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Inter Miami CF, officially known as Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, was founded on January 29, 2018, as Major League Soccer's 25th expansion team, with its inaugural season commencing in March 2020. Co-owned by David Beckham, Jorge Mas, and Jose Mas, the club initially faced challenges, including a season disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and failing to make the playoffs in its early years. The vision for the club, however, was always ambitious, aiming to establish a global football presence in Miami, a city with a strong international and Spanish-speaking community.
A pivotal turning point for Inter Miami came on July 15, 2023, with the monumental signing of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. This acquisition, alongside former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and later Luis Suárez, dramatically elevated the club's profile and on-field performance. The impact was immediate and profound; Inter Miami secured its first major trophy, the Leagues Cup, on August 19, 2023, with Messi leading as the tournament's top scorer. This success marked the beginning of a new era, transforming the team from a struggling expansion side into a formidable contender.
The club's ascent continued into the 2024 season, where Inter Miami achieved a record-breaking campaign, winning the Supporters' Shield and setting a new MLS record for most points in a single season. Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez were instrumental, becoming the first duo in MLS history to each score at least 20 goals in a regular season. The pinnacle of their domestic success arrived on December 12, 2025, when Inter Miami clinched its first-ever MLS Cup, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1. This victory solidified their status as a premier team in the league.
Beyond on-field achievements, Inter Miami's commercial stature has grown substantially. By 2025, Forbes valued the club at $1.35 billion, making it the second-most valuable club in MLS. This financial growth has been supported by strategic investments, including a significant preferred equity position from Ares Management. The club's long-term vision also includes the development of Miami Freedom Park, a 131-acre complex featuring a state-of-the-art stadium, public park, and entertainment district. On April 4, 2026, Inter Miami played its first MLS match at the new 26,700-seat Nu Stadium (Miami Freedom Park), marking a significant milestone in the club's infrastructure development.
As of September 21, 2026, Inter Miami CF continues its successful run. The club recently added another trophy to its cabinet, winning the Campeones Cup on September 16, 2026, with a 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul, a match where Lionel Messi scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami. Currently, Inter Miami holds a strong position in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with a record of 12 wins, 4 losses, and 10 draws, accumulating 46 points. Messi remains a prolific scorer, having netted 20 MLS goals in the 2026 season as of the club's 2-2 draw against San Diego FC on September 21, 2026. The club's academy also continues to thrive, with several players earning first-team promotions, reinforcing Inter Miami's commitment to developing homegrown talent.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami (Inter Miami CF) made different choices?