Inter Miami, led by head coach Javier Mascherano, is gearing up for their MLS preseason with a notable matchup against Mexican powerhouse Club América in Las Vegas. The upcoming friendly will mark Miami’s first significant step under a new coach and adds an air of excitement for a team with mixed results in 2024. Despite clinching the MLS Supporters’ Shield, Miami faltered in the playoffs due to defensive vulnerabilities, despite the star power of Messi, Suárez, Busquets, and Alba.
As they prepare for the 2025 season, Miami faces a crucial test against América, the reigning Liga MX champions, to kick off their preseason journey before their season opener on February 22. Here’s what you need to know about Inter Miami’s upcoming preseason game, including details on when and how to watch.
Date: Saturday, Jan. 18
Time: 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT)
TV: Not broadcasted
Streaming: Available on Apple TV
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada
The Inter Miami squad for 2025, helmed by Mascherano and featuring Messi, includes a mix of talented players across different positions. Messi, who signed a two-and-a-half-year contract in 2023, will continue to play for Miami in the upcoming season, but his future beyond that remains uncertain.
As Messi approaches 38, his impact on the MLS has been noteworthy, with impressive performances and accolades. However, injuries and national team commitments have limited his appearances. The upcoming season poses challenges for Miami, Messi, and the MLS, especially considering potential travel demands and the Club World Cup. Messi’s decisions moving forward could shape the team’s future and impact the offers on the table.
Club owner Jorge Mas has revealed that he is personally overseeing discussions regarding a contract extension for the renowned footballer Lionel Messi. The prospect of having the world’s most famous player don their jersey has undoubtedly piqued interest in Inter Miami. Beyond the prestige associated with Messi joining the Herons, there are significant financial implications at play for the Miami-based club.
Inter Miami is currently in the process of constructing a new stadium, Freedom Park, set to open its doors in 2026. This development is expected to elevate the club’s status within the soccer landscape. Presently, Inter Miami plays its home matches at the temporary Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The completion of Freedom Park is anticipated to further solidify Inter Miami’s position in the league.
Looking ahead to the year 2026, Major League Soccer (MLS) is gearing up for what promises to be a pivotal period for the sport in the United States. With the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, there is a prevailing belief that the tournament will generate heightened interest in soccer across the nation. MLS is poised to capitalize on this surge in attention, much like it did following the 1994 World Cup.
The potential departure of Lionel Messi in the future poses a unique challenge for Inter Miami and MLS as a whole. Given Messi’s stature as an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, his retirement or transfer to another club would leave a considerable void that cannot be easily filled. This underscores the importance of securing Messi’s continued presence within the league for the foreseeable future.
Reflecting on Inter Miami’s performance in the 2024 MLS season, the club experienced significant success on multiple fronts. Notably, they clinched their first major trophy by claiming the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team finishing atop the regular-season standings. Lionel Messi was recognized with the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) accolade, further solidifying his impact on the team.
Moreover, Inter Miami set a new league record by amassing a total of 74 points in the season, showcasing their dominance throughout the campaign. Despite these remarkable achievements, the season was not without its challenges, particularly in knockout competitions.
In various knockout fixtures, Inter Miami faced setbacks that marred an otherwise stellar season. Defeats to Mexican side CF Monterrey in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals and a heartbreaking loss to the Columbus Crew in the Leagues Cup highlighted the team’s vulnerability in knockout play.
The most poignant memory from the season came in the MLS playoffs, where Inter Miami suffered a dramatic upset at the hands of Atlanta United. Despite a strong showing in the regular season, Miami faltered in a best-of-three series against Atlanta, ultimately succumbing to their opponents in a closely contested match-up.
As Inter Miami looks ahead to the future, the club’s ambitions remain high, buoyed by the successes of the past season and the prospect of continued growth and development. The potential retention of Lionel Messi and the completion of
