Despite winning the Supporters’ Shield after a record-breaking regular season in 2024, Inter Miami CF was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Since then, the team has experienced multiple changes ahead of the new season.
The main one is that Javier Mascherano replaced Gerardo Martino as the head coach. Inter Miami announced that Martino left the club for personal reasons back in November.
Mascherano ended his successful playing career in 2020 and led Argentina’s national team in the Olympics last summer. However, he is coaching a club for the first time and will have to manage participating in several competitions.
“I think that, in a season as long as this one, looking further than the next game would be a big mistake,” said Mascherano. “We will look at the Club World Cup and Leagues Cup when it’s time to do that, our focus now is starting the MLS season in the best way possible.”
Oscar Ustari is a new face in the starting lineup. The 38-year-old goalkeeper re-signed with Inter Miami in January and has played in every official match this season, leaving last season’s starter Drake Callender on the bench.
“Luckily from a physical standpoint I’ve felt good for a while, and on the pitch the goalkeeper always needs to play some minutes and find continuity,” Ustari stated. “I’m having that today and can also share the experience I have due to my career.”
Treble winner Jordi Alba has come back for another season. He discussed what the team needs to compete in multiple tournaments.
“Competitions are not won with 11 players, it takes the whole squad,” Alba said. “Unfortunately there will be injuries and suspensions, so players must be ready when it’s their time to play. I think there’s a very competitive team that will surely help us win titles.”
Inter Miami will look to win the MLS Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup for the first time ever in their last season at Chase Stadium. Playing in the first edition of the new Club World Cup also represents a massive opportunity for the team’s growth.
With Lionel Messi’s current contract expiring at the end of the season, this year might be The Herons’ last chance to keep making history with the legendary forward on their side. What their future will look like after Messi and the other aging stars leave is uncertain.
Inter Miami already eliminated Sporting Kansas City in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and did not lose in the first two matches of the MLS season. They will face Cavalier S.C. in the Round of 16 of the Champions Cup on Thursday.
