Florida news: A look at the rise of Inter Miami CF - David Beckham, Lionel Messi and more
Inter Miami CF, officially Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, is more than just a soccer team - it's a symbol of ambition, diversity, and the vibrant spirit of South Florida.
Founded in 2018, the club is the realization of a dream long held by global icon David Beckham, whose vision for a world-class soccer franchise in Miami was born during his own MLS journey with LA Galaxy.
Alongside influential partners Jorge and José Mas, Marcelo Claure, Masayoshi Son, and Simon Fuller, Beckham brought Inter Miami to life, intertwining the passion of Latin American fútbol with the energy and promise of American sports.
Here, Florida News Blitz takes a look at the making of an iconic club and brand.
A bold beginning
Inter Miami officially entered Major League Soccer in the 2020 season, immediately capturing attention with its sleek branding, bold pink-and-black color scheme, and crest featuring two elegant white herons - a powerful emblem of unity, resilience, and ambition.
The club played its inaugural match on March 1, 2020, against LAFC, and celebrated its first victory just months later, a 3–2 triumph over Orlando City SC.
Despite launching in the midst of a global pandemic, the club’s first season revealed a foundation built on tenacity and vision.
Early leadership under coach Diego Alonso set the stage for continued growth, followed by Phil Neville’s tenure, and eventually the arrival of one of the most respected tacticians in world football - Gerardo "Tata" Martino - in 2023.
Building a home and a legacy
While temporarily housed in Fort Lauderdale's Inter Miami CF Stadium (now Chase Stadium), the club's true spiritual home, Miami Freedom Park, is on the horizon.
This stunning, soccer-specific stadium - set to open in 2026 - promises to be a cathedral for the sport in the heart of Miami, blending cutting-edge design with deep cultural roots.
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A club transformed by legends
Inter Miami's ambition took a historic leap in 2023 when it signed Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of all time.
Messi's arrival not only electrified the fan base but redefined the global perception of soccer in the United States.
Alongside other top talents like Gonzalo Higuaín and Sergio Busquets, Messi led Inter Miami to its first major trophy, the 2023 Leagues Cup, a defining moment in the club’s young history.
In 2024, the Herons soared even higher, clinching the MLS Supporters' Shield with a record-breaking 74 points - an achievement that underscored their status as a rising powerhouse in global football.
A club with soul
Inter Miami is not just about wins and trophies; it’s about identity.
It reflects the pulse of Miami - diverse, passionate, and unapologetically bold.
From its fans in La Familia to the global supporters drawn by its ethos and ambition, Inter Miami represents a fusion of cultures, dreams, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
As the team prepares to compete on the world stage in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, it stands as a testament to what vision, leadership, and community can achieve together.
Inter Miami is not just shaping the future of soccer in America - it’s rewriting it.
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