2024 Inter Miami Postseason Review; A Look Back In Retrospect

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Inter Miami’s global preseason tour is over, so we focus on the upcoming MLS regular season for the Herons. We place our attention on the players on the roster at the time of the publication of this article. At the moment, there are rumors of players coming and going, which will alter the team’s makeup before the season opener versus Real Salt Lake on February 21, 2024.

• The  global tour was a marketing success for the team, the stadiums were full and lots of merch was sold. On the downside was the season ending injury to Facundo Farias, an ankle injury to Sergio Busquets that bothered him early in the season, and a team that looked tired to start the MLS season, not to mention the embarassing losses. 

Going global ✈️ 🌎

Check out all the stops of our 2024 preseason tour as we get back on the pitch to prep for the upcoming season ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/7XQlC1qmek

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) January 18, 2024

The Herons have assembled a star-studded squad with a mix of veteran stars like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez, alongside young prospects such as Diego Gomez, Tomas Aviles, Benjamin Cremaschi, and David Ruiz. The roster is the deepest Inter Miami has had in its brief history, and expectations are high.

• A deep roster got stronger along the way, with the addition of several players that made the Herons a “super” team. Unfortunately, the results weren’t super despite a record breaking Supporters’ Shield conquest.

Player Expectations

Drake Callender– Drake is now a veteran goalkeeper with US National Team experience. He’s expected to be a rock in the goal and a more vocal team leader for the Herons. Callender must continue to rise and be a star for Miami.

• Callender took a step back in 2024 after arguably being a top 3 goalkeeper in MLS the previous season. Drake did not rise to new heights, but remained a solid player for Miami with a team friendly contract. 2025 will be a pivoyal year in Callender’s career. 

DeAndre Yedlin– Yedlin did not have a great 2023 season given his pedigree and extensive international experience. DeAndre, if he is on the team come opening day must be better defensively for Miami. The backline is the Heron’s most glaring weakness and Yedlin was not great defending and lacked aggressiveness on attack.

Just like we figured, Yedlin did not finish the season with Miami due to his high salary and average play. Moving him allowed the Herons to allocate money for future moves. Marcelo Weigandt was brought in on loan and currently is awaiting a team decision on his future with Miami. Weigandt did a good job at a fraction of the price of Yedlin. The Herons have rising prospect Israel Boatwright and possibly David Ruiz as young cheaper options at rightback. The 2025 season will require top defenders for Miami to compete in the many tournaments they will play in. I’d expect Weigandt back or a higher profile veteran to fill the spot. 

Sergio Busquets- Busquets needs to provide the magic in the midfield for Inter Miami. Sergio’s passes are key to linking Messi and Suarez. The Spaniard maestro is the glue that holds the Heron midfield together, I expect consistent greatness from an all-time great during the long season.

Busquets had a wonderful season for Inter Miami as the midfield maestro who controlled the flow of the game for the Herons. Sergio even played a large portion of the season at center-back commanding the defense like a star. Busquets’ value can’t be measured purely by stats, because he was simply great for Miami in 2024. The unexpected excellence from Yannick Bright gave Busquets and Miami’s midfield a great boost. Bright was among the best defensive midfielders in MLS straight out of college, a huge gift for the Herons.

Tomás Avilés- The young center-back will be given every opportunity by Tata Martino to consolidate himself as a starter for Miami. He has good technical ability and good speed but lacks physique. If Inter Miami is to improve defensively in 2024, Tomás has to develop in all aspects of his game.

• Toto was an unquestionable starter for Tata Martino all season long, including the playoffs. He showed some progress but not enough to justify the high price Miami paid to acquire him. Aviles is still a U-22 Initiative player, and 2025 has to be the year he puts it all together or Miami could move on. Surely, a pair of CB’s will be brought in to compete with Toto in 2025.

Jean Mota- Before suffering a serious knee injury early in the 2023 campaign Mota was playing some of his best fútbol since his arrival to Miami. The Brazilian lefty should be a valuable contributor to the squad given his quality and skill set. Mota can play close to the defense in a role similar to Busquets or be a box-to-box midfielder.

• Mota was shipped out to Brazil and Matias Rojas was eventually brought in to play a similar role; an attacking left-footed player with a rocket of a shot. It could be said that Rojas was an upgrade in attack, but I’d say that the Brazilian’s rugged defense was missed by Miami. A tough decision must be made on whether to pick up the option on Rojas. I suspect that the Herons are looking to upgrade again to an even higher profile player, but if they continue with Rojas the Herons would be fine.

Leonardo Campana- Campana has all the physical tools and technical abilities to be a star forward in MLS, unfortunately, he has had to sit behind players like Gonzalo Higuain and now Luis Suarez. This season he must have a breakout year and score at least 15 goals even if he’s coming off the bench in the majority of matches. Leonardo needs to stay healthy, as he has suffered recurring calf injuries that have hindered his progress.

• Campana remained injury-free for the most part and had a decent 8 goals and 3 assists in 28 games played. A DP-caliber player, Campana sat behind Luis Suarez and played too few minutes for a player of his potential. He needs to play starter’s minutes, and if that happens next season it could be on a different team. 

Luis Suarez- The accomplished striker comes to Miami with questions about the health of his knees. If Suarez can play a good amount of matches without suffering any setbacks, Inter Miami will surely score many goals this season. The Uruguayan legend has scored goals everywhere he has been in his storied career.

• “El Pistolero” was superb for Inter Miami CF during the 2024 season, finishing the regular season with 20 goals and 9 assists. The knee concerns did not come to fruition for the legendary striker and he was a candidate for MLS MVP. 

Lionel Messi- Messi is the captain of the Inter Miami ship, the team will go as far as he takes them. When Lionel is on the pitch Miami is a vastly superior team. If the Herons are to be contenders for trophies in 2024, Lionel Messi has to be injury-free for the majority of the campaign.

• Lionel Messi won the 2024 MLS MVP with 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 games for Miami. Incredible numbers for the old Goat, but not good enough to lead the Herons to an MLS Cup conquest, the prime objective of 2024. Messi didn’t have great stats in the 3 game playoff series versus Atlanta United, mainly due to Brad Guzan’s brilliant play. Looking forward to more magic from Messi in 2025. 

No doubt #Messi𓃵 is the Captain of this ship…#InterMiamiCF #MLS pic.twitter.com/uPgLrYZ1eH

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) January 24, 2024

Facundo Farias- Farias will miss the entirety of the 2024 season due to a serious knee injury suffered in preseason play. It’s a major setback for the young Argentine and Inter Miami. Facundo was expected to provide a spark to the attack and alleviate some pressure off of Lionel Messi. His roster spot will surely be filled by an incoming player.

• Federico Redondo replaced Facundo on the roster and quickly became a very important player in the midfield for Miami. Farias should be taking Diego Gomez’s U-22 Initiative spot next season unless Inter Miami has other plans. Leo Affonso showed lots of promise on the wings for Inter Miami and is in the mix of young talented players for Miami. 

Corentin Jean- Jean was another of the Miami players that suffered a serious injury during the 2023 season. His time in Miami has been injury-riddled, and I would be surprised if he is part of the squad in 2024. He takes up an international slot and has provided very little return on investment.

• Corentin’s time in Miami was a blur, he came and left without much to show for his time here. The most important thing from Jean was the International slot he left behind. 

Ryan Sailor- Ryan’s role on the team while Tata Martino is the coach will be as an eternal backup. Martino seems to have little faith in Sailor. I believe Sailor is a good MLS player and could see increased minutes only if there are injuries or due to load management for the starters.

• Tata Martino barely gave Sailor any playing time in 2024, basically nailing him to the bench. It seems unlikely he will be brought back and perhaps it would be best for him to get an opportunity on another team. Ryan is good enough to be a steady contributor in MLS. 

Robert Taylor- Taylor is another player who doesn’t seem to have Martino’s favor. Robert showed enormous ability during a career-best stretch of games in the Leagues Cup 2023, where he had nice chemistry on the pitch with Lionel Messi. The 2024 season could be the year when Taylor finally earns a starting role or the campaign in which the team moves him in a deal.

• Taylor neither earned a starting role nor was moved in a deal by Miami in 2024. His 5 goals and 5 assists are not bad stats for his limited playing time. Robert seems to be undervalued and underused by every coach that takes the helm for Inter Miami CF. My theory is that it’s because of his nice guy passive demeanor, because he’s a good as anyone they have brought in to play in front of him. Taylor is signed until 2026 and once again could be moved before next season.

Ian Fray-  Ian Fray would immediately improve the Inter Miami defense if he were healthy. Fray has all the tools to be a top center-back in MLS and beyond. Unfortunately, he has had three serious knee injuries and once again is attempting a comeback.

• Unfortunately, Fray was injured late into the season. Fortunately, the team said he would be back for 2025. The young defender is resilient beyond belief, but the team must decide if they bring him back. Given his homegrown contract, it would be in Miami’s best interest to give it one final shot with Ian. His immense potential is worth the gamble. 

Jordi Alba- Alba’s ability to make timely runs up the left flank is key to Miami’s attack, but his defending has to be up to par. Jordi is another great veteran player who needs to stay healthy for the Herons to have a chance to win trophies in 2024. He should have a big season for Miami.

• Jordi Alba is still among the best left-backs in the world. Alba had an out-of-this-world season for Inter Miami CF with 4 goals and 14 assists. He clearly still has a lot left in the tank, and he needs to be back in 2025 for the Herons.

Robbie Robinson- The enigmatic Robbie Robinson gets another chance to prove his worth in 2024. The often-injured forward has been getting by on potential the last few seasons for Miami, 2024 has to be different. He is another player who has the physical and technical tools to be a contributor to the team but is often unavailable. His first goal should be to make it healthy through the season.

• Robinson was injured even in the preseason and was gone with the wind. Nothing to see here. 

Diego Gomez- Diego is a young player who has lots of experience at the professional level. He represents the Paraguayan National Team and the U-23 National Team as a starting midfielder. Gomez is an integral part of his National Team’s midfield and needs to become a major contributor for the Herons. In Miami, he has yet to match the quality he displays when representing Paraguay.

• Diego became a key player for Inter Miami CF in 2024 with 3 goals and 7 assists in 19 games played. His biggest contribution was his immense energy and ability to play box-to-box attacking and defending at a high level. His development led to an impending move to the Premier League. 

Nicolas Freire- Freire was brought in to solidify the center-back position for Miami. Ideally, Nicolas will become the unquestioned starter by adding some speed and toughness to the backline. We will see what he has to offer to Miami on this loan spell for 2024.

Freire played in only 10 games before suffering a season-ending injury. In his limited time he played well, but it seems that Miami has decided to move on from him, opening an International Slot and pointing to an incoming quality center-back. 

Looks like Nico Freire won't be returning to Inter Miami next season:#InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/7VeiWXd7CM

— Alex Windley (@aaw_1998) December 7, 2024

Julian Gressel- Gressel offers great versatility to Miami with his ability to play multiple positions on the pitch. He’ll be given a chance to play extended minutes as a starter or as a first sub off the bench. Julian needs to show his quality by providing assists and the occasional goal for the Herons.

• Gressel was an important player for Inter Miami early in the season and when Lionel Messi was out due to injury or National Team duty. Martino virtually erased him late in the season and in the playoffs without a clear indication why. A solid player, he like Taylor are players that could be moved in deals by Miami. 

Sergii Kryvtsov- Kryvtsov is a solid defender, but his lack of top-end speed is noticeable when he is forced to press high. Sergii has to battle to remain a starting center-back for Miami with younger faster players. His experience gives Miami a player that can be trusted in big matches.

• Kryvtsov lost his starting role early in the season and played mostly back-up minutes in 2024. It would be very surprising if he is brought back, his salary and lack of speed likely seal his exit from the team. 

Edison Azcona-  Azcona did not see the pitch much last season with Miami, and that is unlikely to change this season under Tata Martino. The talented midfielder will likely be loaned out once again.

• Gone and forgotten, Azcona never got a chance in Miami. A talented young player, the Dominican will hopefully emerge elsewhere.

CJ Dos Santos- CJ showed that he is more than capable of manning the goalkeeper position for Miami if needed. He had some solid matches during the global tour displaying good skills with his hands and his feet.

• CJ only played one match and then suffered an injury that led to Oscar Ustari being signed by Miami. CJ should be the backup once again in 2025 with an opportunity to start if Callender falters. Ustari should not be back in 2025. 

Benjamin Cremaschi- Cremaschi burst onto the scene in 2023 in a big way for Inter Miami. The teenage midfielder is currently recovering from a sports hernia surgery, but once he returns he will be another big contributor to the loaded Miami midfield. Benja’s continued development and progress will eventually lead to a move to a foreign league.

• Cremaschi played in 22 games for Miami delivering 4 goals and 3 assists in 2024. Benjamin was a  contributor in the midfield for Tata Martino, starting important games late in the season. 2025 should be another year of continued development by Benja and the year he could possibly make the jump to Europe. 

Noah Allen- Allen’s continued development was evident during the preseason global tour where he played a big role for Miami. Noah played left-back and left-center-back during the tour and did a good job. He looked more confident with the ball and more aggressive on defense. Should be a big year for the young defender.

• 2024 was a big year for Noah Allen. He looked like a more mature player on the pitch and had several strong performances during the season. The only problem is that the legendary Jordi Alba will always be the starter as long as he is with Miami. The positive is that Allen has become more valuable with his ability to play left- center-back in a backline of 3 or 5.

Franco Negri- Negri was having an outstanding 2023 season for the Herons until he suffered a serious knee injury. One of the many players that went down with long-term injuries for the Herons. Upon his recovery, Negri is expected to play a starting role as a left-back with high production and good defending. A Negri, Alba combination on the left flank would be extremely tough for opposing defenses.

• Negri was another player that was erased by Tata Martino without any real explanation. After returning from a long-term injury, Franco barely played for Miami in 2024. The team must make a decision on his contract, and his high price, lack of playing time, and the growth of Noah Allen as a player may be the reasons he doesn’t return in 2025. 

David Ruiz- David was another young Heron revelation during the 2023 campaign. Ruiz took advantage of his opportunity and showed a mature game beyond his years in the midfield. He can be a big-time player for Inter Miami as he continues to play alongside legends such as Messi and Busquets.

• Ruiz played 28 games for Miami with 1 goal and 3 assists as his tally. David showed greater maturity on the pitch making better decisions and not getting as many yellow cards as the previous season. Ruiz is talented and could take another big step in 2025. 

Lawson Sunderland-  Sunderland showed some flashes during Miami’s global tour. The lanky midfielder showed vision and a hunger to score goals. Lawson will continue to develop during the 2024 season probably playing some minutes off the bench and during load management for the veteran midfielders.

• Sunderland barely played for Miami in 2024, another of Martino’s erased players. His spot on the team is in jeopardy and he will likely be elsewhere in 2025. 

Santiago Morales- Another homegrown prospect on the first team, Santiago Morales, is along for the ride. The seventeen-year-old is not expected to play a major role in the 2024 season, but he can learn the game from the legends on his team.

• Santi played mostly for Inter Miami’s second team and he shined. 2025 could be the year when Morales sees some time on the pitch with the First Team. 

Cole Jensen- I don’t expect Jensen to be on the opening day roster but instead on the second team. His opportunity with Miami will come, but it’s not expected to be in 2024 unless one of the top two goalies suffers an injury.

• Cole will have to continue to wait for his time to come and 2025 doesn’t appear to be the year. In sports like in life anything can happen. 

Coach Tata Martino- Martino has his hands full in 2024 coaching Inter Miami CF. The Herons are must-see T.V. in the MLS and beyond. Coaching Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez can be a little complicated for a coach. Not only must Martino manage egos but he must manage minutes for his veteran stars.

Tata’s lineup decisions and formations must be on point if Inter Miami is to meet its objectives.

• Tata, and Inter Miami CF  did not meet expectations for 2024. Now Tata is gone due to “personal reasons” and Javier Mascherano is the new Head Coach. If expectations were high for Tata in 2024, they will be higher for Mascherano in 2025. Martino was a seasoned and experienced coach, Mascherano is young and inexperienced. 2025 will continue to be must-see T.V. in Miami and beyond. 

2024 MLS Season Prediction

Inter Miami has the deepest most talented roster in its brief history, with reinforcements possibly on the way. A team with “Messi & The Fantastics”, plus lots of young talent has to set big goals and have high expectations. Barring any major injuries to core players, Inter Miami should contend for the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference and the MLS Cup.

The Leagues Cup, U.S. Open Cup, and CONCACAF Champions Cup are other competitions where the Herons are expected to compete for titles. I’d say it would be a successful 2024 season if Inter Miami could win the MLS Cup and the CONCACAF Champions Cup. We’ll reassess at the midpoint of the season.

• Reinforcements are definitely on the way for 2025, and expectations are even higher. Mascherano and Miami have lofty goals to accomplish and the prime objective must again be MLS Cup. In the international tournaments Inter Miami must be competitive and represent MLS in a good light. A succesful season at minimum would include an international title and MLS Cup.