The arrival of footballing icons like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez to South Beach ignited a euphoric atmosphere around Inter Miami. It appeared as though the franchise had struck gold in Major League Soccer (MLS). Jorge Mas, the managing owner, proudly proclaimed last summer, “We have (already) succeeded,” amidst the glow of his superstar-laden roster. “Expectations is something else, but we’ve succeeded. The fact that Lionel Messi is here, that Sergio Busquets is here and others are going to come, that we’ve opened new chapters for the sport in this country, we’ve succeeded.” Despite the commercial triumphs and an exhilarating regular season campaign where Inter Miami shattered the single-season points record and secured the Supporters’ Shield, the question looms—what defines success in football, and how does this Miami squad measure up against the historically successful franchises in MLS?
Inter Miami’s historic season in 2024 undoubtedly manifested on the scoreboard. Their climb past the previous single-season points record was a remarkable achievement that highlighted their offensive prowess and tactical acumen. Nonetheless, success in soccer is often judged by silverware. While commercial appeal and global star power contribute to excitement, they do not overshadow the necessity of on-field accomplishments when defining a season’s success. Miami’s swift playoff exit, marked by an unexpected defeat in the first round against Atlanta United, starkly contrasts with their regular season accolades.
This discrepancy invites reflection on the essence of success in the sport. Beyond the glamour of high-profile signings, are fans content with simply ticket sales and social media buzz, or do they crave the ecstasy associated with lifting trophies? Miami’s experiences illustrate that for fans, success is often rooted in tangible achievements rather than hype alone.
In exploring the context of Miami’s season, it’s necessary to look back at historical benchmarks of MLS excellence. The 2017 Toronto FC campaign stands as a pinnacle of achievement; they are the only team in league history to secure a domestic treble. Toronto’s triumph included an MLS Cup, the Supporters’ Shield, and a Canadian Championship. Coupled with a quality roster comprised of stars like Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore, their dominance was undeniable. This kind of comprehensive success builds a foundation for legacy and pride in the sport, setting standards that other franchises aspire to.
D.C. United also offers insight into the dimensions of greatness. In 1998, not only did they shine domestically by clinching the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup, but they also emerged as champions in the Concacaf Champions League and Copa Interamericana, bolstering their claim to regional supremacy. Their ability to perform at the highest levels across various competitions showcases a level of success that transcends typical achievement metrics.
Recent successes have come from franchises like LAFC, whose dominance was marked by both the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup victories during the 2022 season. The depth of their roster and the strategic play under coach Steve Cherundolo emphasized a well-rounded approach to both league and playoff scenarios. Following closely, Atlanta United’s 2018 campaign is notable. They topped the regular season’s points tally and performed remarkably in the playoffs, laying claim to their first MLS Cup while boasting standout talents like Josef Martínez and Miguel Almirón.
These historical standouts create a contrasting narrative for Inter Miami’s 2024 effort. While Miami’s regular season was nothing short of spectacular—their points tally alone attests to that fact—the abrupt conclusion of their playoff journey serves as a stark reminder: regular season success, while significant, does not equate to overall success in the sport.
As we evaluate Inter Miami’s season within the context of MLS history, delineating their achievements is essential. Their record-breaking season, which aligns them with other exceptional teams like New England Revolution, LAFC, and the New York Red Bulls, solidifies their place among the league’s elite regular season campaigns. Yet, when placed alongside the multi-trophy winners of MLS’s history, it becomes evident just where Miami sits—at a disappointing distance from true dominance.
Despite boasting a roster that turned heads and drew global attention, their failure to convert regular season momentum into postseason success speaks volumes. The anticipation surrounding Inter Miami’s star-studded roster emphasized the immense expectations placed upon them. However, as the season concluded, the disappointment echoed through the stands, highlighting the gap between what could have been and what was achieved.
Inter Miami’s 2024 campaign serves as both a celebration of extraordinary regular season performance and a cautionary tale about the fragility of expectations in soccer. The history of MLS is filled with stories of triumph, and while Miami achieved an unparalleled regular season, their ultimate disconnect from postseason success raises questions about future endeavors. Football, at its heart, is driven by tangible victories, and the challenge lies in transforming a commercially successful brand into a consistently winning team.