Why Inter Miami Failed to Win the MLS in 2024 — And Why They Need to Win in 2025
- adriana
- Aug 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 20
For all those Inter Miami fans out there, we know it would have hit hard. Something thrilling happened in 2024… and yet something also slipped away that year as well. There was drama, there was heartbreak, there was promise - it was a total Inter Miami rollercoaster.
Source: Depositphotos
Just as Real Madrid normally tops the Champions League betting odds and Man City usually tops the English Premier League odds, Inter Miami, by rights, should be right up there at the top of the MLS. Last year, many thought it should have been theirs. This year, some are looking at the season with optimism, some with caution… but everyone with hope.
So, let’s take a look at precisely why they ended last year with no trophy - and why they need to make sure it doesn’t happen again this year.
Why 2024 Fell Short
So, firstly… let’s look at what went wrong in 2024:
1. Messi Had Magic - But Not Enough
Lionel Messi brought an unmatched artistry to Miami. He changed games, lifted the players’ and fans’ spirits, and even attracted football fans who never used to care about MLS. But although his brilliance helped them win matches, the overall team still wasn’t consistent enough. When Messi was rested, injured, or suspended, especially later in the playoffs, the rest of the team couldn’t deal with the playoff-level pressure without him.
2. There Was a Lack of Midfield Control
Across many of the important playoff matches, Miami lost a lot of the midfield battles. Even with players like Sergio Busquets and Federico Viñas rotating through, the other teams seemed to be better at winning second balls, disrupting, and building pressure in transitions.
3. Depth Windfalls Turned Fragile
When the squad was nice and healthy, depth was low-key thriving. The defenders stepped up, and substitutes changed the momentum. However, as soon as those injuries hit, especially around centre-back and the fullback positions, their interchange options weren’t quite equal. And in a short playoff series, that ended up making all the difference.
4. Conceded Too Many Late Goals
Maybe it was because they were tired or getting lazy, but there were too many heartbreakers that came late. Too many of their opponents were able to score clutch goals in stoppage time - which ended up turning wins into draws and draws into losses, and dropping a whole load of points as a result. Miami’s defensive discipline wasn’t always up to scratch… and it cost them dearly in tight games.
The Upside - What They Got Right in 2024
Before we get into what needs to happen in 2025, let’s be fair and give them credit for the good stuff we saw during the season:
The fan energy was the best it’s ever been - and every match day was an incredible experience.
Messi was there - and he was able to lift every locker room speech and performance he was there for.
We got to witness emerging talent like Daniel Castillo, Matías Rojas, and Benjamin Cremaschi.
There was a coaching growth that saw better tactical flexibility… and an occasional game plan tweak or two that worked well against lots of different playing styles.
And it’s because of these factors that we think there could well be a championship push in 2025.
Why Miami Needs to Win in 2025
Inter Miami fans are getting over the disappointment of last season, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be expecting more this time…
Redemption
Miami is a city that thrives on vibes, beats, and huge moments. And winning that championship would legitimize the club way beyond all of those headline-grabbing transfers. It would literally cement the city as a proper, serious football destination.
Educating Messi’s Legacy
Messi might be the biggest name to ever be linked to Inter Miami. But for his legacy to resonate beyond a one-off cameo season, they need to lift a trophy.
Establishing a Long-Term Identity
Inter Miami hasn’t yet managed to imprint a true identity… its own system, a culture, and a playing style that’s recognized all over the world. Winning and building with youth can be a great way to help create that identity. That also means sending their scouts to Latin America and upping the soccer talent sooner rather than later.
Inspiring Young Players
The youth players in South Florida are growing up eating atacante in the streets. Having a championship team to look up to and aspire to will give them a bit of hope that the goals they scored barefoot at midday can one day lead to lifting real silverware.
Source: Depositphotos
What Needs to Change in 2025
They’ve got all the ingredients to will… and all the motivation they need, but there are some things that will need to change before it all comes together.
Reinforce The Midfield
To fix the "control gap" they had in 2024, the squad needs depth and not just good starters. They’ll need a robust midfield rotation so that they’ll be able to deal with early-season wear, injuries, and tactical variance. Their signings will need to be able to keep possession, react well under pressure, and last the full 90 minutes.
Solidify Their Defensive Depth
They also still need strong backups at center and fullback. Pushing for low concedes will need to be a non-negotiable, especially later on in games. Having a disciplined and organized approach will hopefully mean they concede fewer goals late in the day.
Goalkeeping Stability
Last season, the keeper position was mental. There were some incredible games… and some seriously shaky moments. Having a goalkeeper who’s a consistent shot-stopper and can communicate well with the defence could make or break the playoffs.
A Win for Miami's Brand
There’s a lot to do… they have to get over last season… Not forget about it, but learn from it. Take the lessons and use them to get further in 2025. Inter Miami needs to win it - not only for their die-hard fans, but to show the world that MLS means business - and they’re leading the way!
So, Miami, go get that trophy!