No More Excuses: Inter Miami Return to MLS With Confidence and High Expectations
After a landmark Club World Cup run, Mascherano's squad aims to turn international success into domestic dominance
From Underdogs to Believers
Inter Miami CF aren’t just back from the FIFA Club World Cup—they’re back with purpose.
Following a historic showing on the global stage, the Herons return to MLS play Saturday night against CF Montréal (7:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass), determined to prove their international form wasn’t a fluke but a glimpse into what they’re capable of achieving.
“If we were able to compete at that level,” said head coach Javier Mascherano, “there are no excuses for us not to be able to compete in our domestic league.”
The message is clear: Inter Miami now carry the weight of proof, not potential.
A World Cup to Remember
In their first-ever Club World Cup appearance, Inter Miami defied expectations by advancing out of a loaded Group A. After a goalless draw with Al Ahly, they stunned FC Porto 2-1 behind Telasco Segovia’s equalizer and a trademark Lionel Messi free-kick winner.
They followed it with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras, becoming the first MLS team to reach the knockout stage. Though they eventually fell 4-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16, the campaign solidified their global reputation.
“The level of competition was very high,” said Segovia. “We played against the best teams in the world… I think that helped us focus and also see what we’re made of.”
The Road Ahead: Silverware in Sight
With a reinvigorated sense of belief, Inter Miami now turn their attention to a packed July schedule that includes six league matches and their Leagues Cup 2025 debut against Atlas FC.
Midfielder Segovia didn’t shy away from ambition: “If we play the same way we did against Porto and Palmeiras, we’ll be able to win the league.”
Mascherano agrees the team has shown they can compete at the highest level—but insists the next step is bringing that mentality home. “Now we have to transfer that to MLS,” he emphasized. “We know everybody wants to beat us.”
Thin Roster, Big Plans
Despite the optimism, Miami’s roster remains thin. Key players including Yannick Bright, Gonzalo Luján, David Ruiz, and Ian Fray are out injured. Mascherano has made it clear reinforcements are needed during the MLS Secondary Transfer Window (July 24–August 21).
“I’ve spoken to the club, I’ve given my thoughts on what the club needs,” said the manager, who stopped short of naming targets. “My job is to train the players I have and build the most competitive team possible.”
Whether the club makes a splash or sticks with the current squad, expectations will remain sky-high.
MLS Targets on the Horizon
Last season’s record-setting 74-point haul and a Supporters’ Shield title set a precedent. The Club World Cup campaign only raised the bar. Anything less than another deep run—be it in MLS Cup or Leagues Cup—will feel like a step back.
Mascherano knows what’s at stake. “The team and the players have proven to themselves that when we’re convinced, when we know what we want, we can do it.”
Saturday’s clash against a struggling CF Montréal side is step one of their next challenge: proving all that global promise translates to domestic dominance.
