Since its inception in 2018 and debut in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2020, Inter Miami CF has captivated the soccer world with its ambitious vision, bold signings, and international flair. Co-owned by global icon David Beckham, the club made headlines in 2023 with one of the most sensational acquisitions in sports history: Lionel Messi. Alongside Messi, the arrivals of legends like Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez transformed Inter Miami into one of the most talked-about teams in global football.
But amidst all the glamour and headlines, one question continues to surface: Have Inter Miami won the MLS Cup yet?
The Short Answer
As of April 2025, Inter Miami CF has not yet won the MLS Cup, the league’s most prestigious and coveted trophy. While the team has made significant strides and won other honors, lifting the MLS Cup remains an unfulfilled dream. Let’s explore how close they’ve come and what lies ahead.
A Breakthrough: Winning the 2023 Leagues Cup
Though Inter Miami hasn’t won the MLS Cup, they did secure their first-ever trophy in dramatic fashion: the 2023 Leagues Cup. This was a landmark achievement, not just for the club, but for MLS as a whole.
In a tournament featuring teams from both MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX, Inter Miami—bolstered by Messi’s brilliance—blazed through the competition. The final against Nashville SC was a tense affair, finishing 1-1 in regular time. Messi, as expected, delivered a stunning goal and showcased the leadership and magic that has defined his career.
The match culminated in a nail-biting penalty shootout, which Inter Miami won 10-9, thanks to calm nerves and key saves from goalkeeper Drake Callender. It marked Inter Miami’s first major title, making it a moment of history that fans won’t soon forget.
2024: A Season of Highs and Lows
Supporters’ Shield Glory
The 2024 MLS regular season was a statement of intent from Inter Miami. With Messi leading from the front, and Suárez and Busquets dictating the play, the team clinched the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the club with the best regular-season record.
Inter Miami finished the season with 68 points, showcasing consistency, depth, and a flair for the spectacular. They scored more goals than any other team and played some of the most attractive football in the league. For fans, it felt like the club had finally found its rhythm.
Playoff Heartbreak
However, the fairy tale took an unfortunate turn in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Despite being favorites, Inter Miami was eliminated in the first round by Atlanta United. The match ended in a shocking defeat that reminded everyone of how unpredictable and unforgiving playoff soccer can be.
This early exit was a bitter pill to swallow after such a dominant regular season. While winning the Supporters’ Shield was a significant accomplishment, the MLS Cup continued to elude the club.
Global Aspirations: Club World Cup 2025
Inter Miami’s story isn’t just about MLS anymore. With FIFA awarding the 2025 Club World Cup hosting rights to the United States, Inter Miami secured a spot in the expanded tournament as one of the representative clubs from the host nation.
This means the club will have the opportunity to face elite clubs from Europe, South America, and Asia—a dream scenario for players and fans alike. For Messi, it could be another chance to shine on the world stage with a club outside of Europe.
The Messi Effect: More Than Just Goals
Since arriving in Miami, Lionel Messi has had a transformative impact—on and off the pitch. Beyond his jaw-dropping goals and assists, he has elevated the profile of MLS, inspired young players, and made Inter Miami a global brand.
Reports indicate that Messi is close to extending his contract through 2026, which would coincide with the opening of Inter Miami’s much-anticipated Miami Freedom Park stadium. The 25,000-seat venue is set to become a world-class home for the club and a symbol of its long-term ambitions.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
Although the MLS Cup remains elusive, the club is undeniably moving in the right direction:
Squad Depth: Inter Miami has built a roster that blends youth, experience, and world-class talent. Players like Benjamin Cremaschi and Facundo Farías provide a promising future.
Infrastructure: With a new stadium on the horizon and improved training facilities, the club is investing heavily in its long-term growth.
Global Recognition: Thanks to Messi and co., Inter Miami now enjoys a global fan base, attracting attention from every corner of the footballing world.
Ambitions Aligned: The club’s leadership—from Beckham to the management team—has shown a willingness to back bold moves and push the envelope.
With the continued evolution of the squad and Messi’s potential contract extension, it seems only a matter of time before Inter Miami finally brings home the MLS Cup.
Conclusion: Not Yet, But The Dream Lives On
Inter Miami has not yet won the MLS Cup, but they have already accomplished milestones that many newer clubs can only dream of. The 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield prove that the team is capable of winning at the highest levels. Their early playoff exit in 2024 was a reminder of the unique challenges of MLS, but also a source of motivation heading into future seasons.
As the club looks toward the 2025 season and the global stage of the FIFA Club World Cup, all eyes will remain fixed on Miami. With a roster that features legends and rising stars, world-class infrastructure in the works, and unmatched ambition, Inter Miami’s journey to the MLS Cup is far from over—it’s only just beginning.
