Inter Miami’s Playoff Fate Hangs in the Balance
On June 19, 2023, Jorge Mas, co-owner of Inter Miami, ignited excitement on social media when he tweeted “#nocaptionneeded” accompanied by an image of three blank pink jerseys and the phrase “Coming Soon.” While Lionel Messi’s move to Major League Soccer (MLS) had already been confirmed, the arrival of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba from their former club Barcelona took many by surprise. In just five days, the club welcomed these three soccer icons, marking a new and glamorous era for Miami.
On August 2, the trio took to the pitch together for the first time since their days at Camp Nou, leading Miami to a 3-1 victory against Orlando City in the opening match of the Leagues Cup tournament. Later, in December, Luis Suárez rejoined his former teammates, solidifying Inter Miami’s powerful lineup, known as the Fantastic Four.
Although Miami captured the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield while setting a new record for the most points in a single MLS season, the team has struggled to achieve its ultimate goal: winning the MLS Cup.
With Busquets and Alba planning to retire at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign and Messi’s Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul recently signed from Atlético Madrid, the Fantastic Four have one last chance to claim the coveted trophy that has eluded them thus far.
“We definitely want to win [the MLS Cup] for them,” defender Noah Allen stated.
High Expectations for Major Talents
Before donning the pink jerseys of Miami, the Fantastic Four made history with Barcelona, winning multiple prestigious titles, including four La Liga championships and the UEFA Champions League. “The first assist I gave him was at Osasuna’s stadium when we won 2-1 in October 2012,” reflected Alba, who reminisced about his strong partnership with Messi on the field. “Since then, I believe we’ve developed a great understanding and timing.”
However, the group began to disperse in 2020. Suárez moved to Atlético Madrid, while Messi took his talents to Paris Saint-Germain. Determined to reunite the group, Mas facilitated their final collaboration in South Florida.
As Inter Miami 2.0 was launched, it became a platform for the quartet to showcase their skills in a league that operates a notch below the top European leagues. Despite the nostalgia, Mas aimed to reproduce their successes from Barcelona in the iconic pink uniforms. The club saw historic ticket sales and a surge in revenue, attaining record attendance during their visit to Kansas City in 2024. However, their on-field performance could not keep pace with these successes.
Joining the Miami squad late in the 2023 MLS season limited their impact on the playoffs, resulting in a disappointing 14th place finish in the Eastern Conference, falling short of a playoff berth, despite a promising start following their Leagues Cup victory.
When they finally reached the playoffs, the pressure proved too much, as Atlanta United, who finished the regular season far behind Miami, stunned the favorites by eliminating them in the first round with a 2-1 home win and a dramatic 3-2 away victory.
“It was a good season, but we wanted more,” Alba commented on the playoff format in 2024.
The 2025 season has offered Miami numerous chances to compete for trophies, as they participate in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and MLS. Off the pitch, ownership has invested heavily, leading the league in expenditures at nearly $49 million.
Despite facing fierce competition from top European clubs, Miami became the only MLS team to reach the knockout stages of the Club World Cup. Still, they fell short in both the Leagues Cup final and the Champions Cup semifinals, leaving them with only a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference.
As the playoffs commenced, Miami found themselves equal with Nashville SC, preparing for a winner-takes-all final match after losing 2-1 at GEODIS Park. This critical game looms large, not just for the current season but for the legacy of the Fantastic Four.
“It’s a must-win for us, especially for Alba and Busquets,” Allen stated. “We have high expectations.”
The Legacy of the Fantastic Four
The desire to help Alba and Busquets conclude their careers on a high note resonates deeply with the entire team. Players like Allen and Yannick Bright may not share a decade-long history with them, but they feel a profound respect for what the Spanish veterans have contributed.
Alba reflected on his journey, noting how his experiences and guidance from older teammates inspired him to support younger players like Allen. “Noah plays my position, and I see great potential in him,” Alba said.
Allen expressed gratitude for Alba’s mentorship, saying, “Jordi has been one of the most important teammates in my life. I’m so thankful for all I’ve learned from him.” Bright, who came from Italy to pursue his soccer dreams, never imagined he’d play alongside such esteemed professionals. “Busquets is a model of professionalism,” he noted. “We all aim to win it for them.”
As the season culminates, the Fantastic Four are determined to bring home the MLS Cup, fulfilling the promises made by their high-profile signings. The pressure intensifies, with years of expectations riding on the final game.
“To help Busquets finish in the best possible way is a strong motivation for us,” coach Javier Mascherano asserted. “We hope this journey extends until December.”
With the chance to collect one last trophy together, the current iteration of Inter Miami will ultimately be measured not just by their roster but by their achievements on the field.
As De Paul summarized, greatness in football is not always about who deserves it most. “We need to reduce the chances of luck, and give our all to ensure the playoffs go our way,” he stated, echoing the team’s resolve and desire to honor their veterans.
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