Inter Miami CF’s 2024 campaign will long be remembered as a landmark in the club’s history. From record-breaking achievements to mesmerizing performances by global icons, the campaign showcased Miami’s transformation into a powerhouse of Major League Soccer (MLS).
Though it ended in playoff heartbreak, the year was rich in milestones and memorable moments. The team at ProfitDuel, experts in matched betting, have provided the following breakdown of Inter Miami’s season.
Dominance in the Regular Season
It is truly remarkable that a side founded just six years ago could break an all-time league record to clinch the Eastern Conference title and the Supporters’ Shield with 74 points. They achieved the feat by recording the most wins (22), drawing eight times, and losing four times. Gerardo’ Tata’ Martino’s side also recorded the most away wins of any team in a regular MLS season, triumphing 11 times on the road.
The dynamic pairing of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez stood out – Messi scored 23 goals in all competitions and provided key assists throughout the season, with 19 in total. Meanwhile, Suárez showcased his playmaking abilities with 13 assists and 25 goals, too, seeing Inter Miami become the first team in MLS history to have two players score 20 or more league goals in a regular season. They played a key role in helping Miami maintain dominance in tight games. Messi’s ability to influence games with both goals and key passes underscored his leadership, while Suárez added his experience to forge a formidable partnership, rolling back the years of what was present in Barcelona.
Other key contributors like Benjamin Cremaschi and Drake Callender further highlighted the team’s depth. Cremaschi, a homegrown star, played a pivotal midfield role, while Callender’s stellar goalkeeping earned him recognition as a cornerstone of Miami’s defensive success.
Star Power and Key Milestones
Inter Miami’s success was powered not only by talent but also by their ability to create iconic moments and achieve significant milestones. Messi’s magical free kicks, Suárez’s decisive assists, and Matías Rojas’ crucial goals became highlights of the season, alongside setting a record for their biggest MLS win. They defeated Orlando City SC 5-0 in March on home turf Stadium, seeing Suárez and Messi both score a brace while Robert Taylor added another to the scoreline, too, in front of the 20,000-plus Chase Stadium crowd.
Defensively, veteran Jordi Alba played a critical role, offering leadership and stability while scoring five times and providing 15 assists from the left flank in the MLS campaign. Another historic moment came when Leonardo Campana reached the milestone of 100 appearances for the club, becoming only the third player to achieve this in Miami’s short history. These milestones reflected the team’s evolution and their balance of star power with consistency.
Off the field, the Messi-led revolution had an undeniable impact. Inter Miami grew as a global phenomenon, with record-breaking attendance figures and unprecedented viewership levels. Their games transcended borders, drawing fans from around the world and elevating the profile of MLS to a previously unseen level. The club’s ability to balance international stardom with the development of local talent set a new standard for MLS teams.
Playoff Heartbreak
Despite their regular-season heroics, Inter Miami’s playoff run ended in disappointment. Facing Atlanta United in the first round of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, Miami fell in a dramatic best-of-three series.
The decisive third match saw Inter Miami fight valiantly, with goals from Matías Rojas and Messi keeping them in contention. However, defensive lapses allowed Atlanta to capitalize, and a late goal by Bartosz Slisz sealed Miami’s fate in a 3-2 loss.
The playoff exit highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in defensive transitions and squad depth. While their attacking flair remained a strength, the team struggled to maintain composure under playoff pressure, an issue they will need to address moving forward.
A Year to Remember
Inter Miami CF’s 2024 campaign was a historic milestone for the club and the league. From thrilling moments on the pitch to their cultural impact off it, the season demonstrated what a well-balanced mix of talent and strategic planning can achieve.
They solidified the integration of homegrown stars like Cremaschi, Noah Allen, and Ian Fray into the first team and utilized their global icons, such as Sergio Busquets, Alba, Messi, and Suárez, as mentors. Ultimately, the club has set an example of how to balance short-term success with long-term sustainability. The season’s highlights – ranging from Messi’s brilliance to Campana’s century of appearances – will be etched into the annals of the league and the club’s history forever.
In contrast to the previous year’s 27th position in the Supporters’ Shield race to becoming the record-breaking winners in 2024 stands as a testament to their resilience and vision.
Looking Ahead To Next Season
As Inter Miami secured the Supporters’ Shield title in 2024, they have qualified to compete in the Concacaf Champions Cup next season in 2025, marking the second straight campaign the team will participate in the competition. They will be aiming to advance past the quarter-final stage this time around, as last time out, they suffered a 5-2 aggregate defeat to Monterrey. The feat of winning the Supporters’ Shield also helped the side qualify for next year’s newly-beginning FIFA Club World Cup competition, and Inter Miami will play host in the inaugural game.
Finally, as Tata departed the club towards the end of November due to personal reasons, and since former Argentine defender Javier Mascherano has taken over the reins as head coach, there may be a transitional period ahead for the Herons. However, as the team looks to build on this year’s successes, their journey remains an inspiration to fans and a model for the future of MLS clubs.
