Inter Miami’s electrifying 2024 season ended abruptly with a surprising first-round elimination from the MLS playoffs after a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference series. Despite the end, the season showcased Inter Miami’s transformation into a league powerhouse, led by Lionel Messi and bolstered by an array of former Barcelona stars under coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino.
Recapping the Season: From Record-Breaking Heights to Playoff Disappointment
With Messi, Suárez, Busquets, and Alba anchoring the squad, Miami emerged as the No. 1 seed in the MLS, setting the record for most points in a season and claiming their first Supporters’ Shield. Their offense was prolific, tallying 79 goals over 34 regular-season games, with Messi and Suárez each contributing 20 goals. Miami’s dominance, however, didn’t translate in the playoffs. Facing a scrappy Atlanta United side, Miami struggled defensively. Despite Messi’s equalizer in the second half, a decisive 76th-minute header by Bartosz Slisz ended Miami’s title hopes.
Coach Martino expressed his frustration with officiating, particularly a handball he believed warranted a penalty and the lack of a stoppage for a Miami player’s injury just before Atlanta’s winning goal. “In the first half, there is a clear, very clear penalty,” Martino stated, voicing the frustrations of a team that felt it fell short due to missed calls as much as missed chances.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
Looking ahead, Inter Miami is gearing up for 2025 with significant ambitions. They’ll be competing in the 32-team Club World Cup, an opportunity to showcase their global stature and aim for new heights. Messi, with one more season under his current deal, remains the centerpiece, his continued involvement providing both a technical edge and a major fan draw.
The possibility of Suárez extending his contract adds to the excitement around Miami’s attacking depth, while the club will undoubtedly look to strengthen defensively to avoid another early playoff exit. Financially, Miami has set a new league benchmark, spending over $41.7 million in payroll and providing Messi with a league-leading compensation package. Yet, the success of a deep playoff run remains elusive.
Building a Legacy Beyond One Season
In a broader view, Inter Miami’s rise marks a significant moment for both the club and MLS. Coach Martino noted the clear improvement from last season, emphasizing, “What happened this year, the bad and the good…have been better than everything that happened last year, and I would say even from the entire life of the club.” While this season fell short, Miami’s brand is stronger than ever, and the club has its sights set on greater achievements with a squad that is gaining experience together.
As Inter Miami prepares for a new season, one thing is clear: this team, with Messi at its helm, has set a high standard for itself and brought unprecedented excitement to South Florida.
