Inter Miami team guide: History, trophies won and notable former players of 2025 FIFA Club World Cup club

Inter Miami will kick off the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup this weekend, with the MLS heavyweights the designated host club for a new-look revamped international tournament.

The Herons, led by Lionel Messi and a galaxy of stars, will seek to upset the favourites from Europe and South America as they take to the biggest stage of their life so far.

DAZN is the only place to watch every match of the Club World Cup live and for free - download the free app now for smart TVs, smartphones, streaming devices and games consoles to start watching.

DAZN News has everything you need to know about Inter Miami. 

Inter Miami team guide

Location

Representing Miami, the club's base is actually in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which is about 45 minutes north.

A $1 billion stadium in Miami proper is planned with a completion date of 2026. 

Origin

The way Inter Miami came to be is a uniquely North American tale that dates back to English superstar David Beckham joining MLS side LA Galaxy in 2007.

Beckham made fanfare around the world when he crossed the Atlantic Ocean to play in the United States, but he likely made the best business decision of his life when he had a clause included in his contract that allowed him to purchase a future MLS expansion team for $25 million.

That clause eventually became Inter Miami, who started play in 2020 and have since become the de facto face of MLS thanks to Lionel Messi's arrival in 2023.

Nicknames

• The Herons

Trophies won

Miami's first trophy was the 2023 Leagues Cup, a tournament played between clubs in MLS and Mexico's Liga MX.

The following year, they claimed the Supporters' Shield as the MLS side with the most points in the regular season.

• MLS Supporters' Shield (1)
• Leagues Cup (1)

Notable former players

Inter Miami's short history means they don't have a massive list of notable former players, but there are some familiar names in there.

• Gonzalo Higuain (2020-22)
• Blaise Matuidi (2020-21)
• Rodolfo Pizarro (2020-23)
• Alejandro Pozuelo (2022)
• Josef Martinez (2023)

Top scorer (MLS 2025) - Lionel Messi (5 goals)

It's hardly a surprise who Miami's leading scorer is, as Messi has struck five times in MLS so far this season despite missing three matches.

The superstar also has five goals in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, boosting his total in all competitions to 10.

Manager - Javier Mascherano (ARG)

The ex-Barcelona contingent in Miami grew further ahead of the new MLS season when Messi's former teammate for club and country took the reins as head coach.

Mascherano is a relative novice at senior level though, with his only previous managerial experience as Argentina U20 boss and their coach at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

How Inter Miami qualified for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

FIFA designated a host berth for the 32-team tournament, which went to the Supporters' Shield-winning Inter Miami.

Unlike fellow MLS side Seattle Sounders, Miami did not have to win a continental title to qualify for the Club World Cup.

What Inter Miami's manager is saying about the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

(via FIFA)

Javier Mascherano: "Exposure to a competition of this stature could help the players here to raise their game. Likewise, clubs from all over the world will have their eyes on the Club World Cup, which could raise the profile of MLS, which is still relatively new compared to other domestic competitions. It’s only in its 30th season, but it’s growing exponentially, and we want to help it continue to do so."

Inter Miami group, schedule at 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Miami have been drawn into Group A with Palmeiras, Al Ahly and Porto.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZN

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