Inter Miami, co-owned by football superstar David Beckham, has gone from a cheating controversy to wallowing in the joy of their first trophy, courtesy of the iconic Lionel Messi. This dramatic turnaround in fortunes has not been without its hurdles, and it’s essential to trace the club’s journey.
In the not-too-distant past, Inter Miami found itself in the midst of a cheating scandal that shook the foundations of the Major League Soccer (MLS). The club was fined a staggering $2 million and faced additional sanctions according to Mirror Football, placing David Beckham in the crosshairs of controversy.
Inter Miami pursued a daring approach to leave an unforgettable impact on the league during its early stages. The team targeted great players, even if they were nearing the end of their careers. High-profile signings for the 2020 MLS season included World Cup-winning midfielder Blaise Matuidi and three-time La Liga winner Gonzalo Higuain.
However, the early optimism did not translate to the pitch. Diego Alonso, the head coach, struggled with adjusting to the star-studded roster. As a consequence, the team finished in tenth place in the Eastern Conference. Following that was an early departure from the playoffs at the hands of Nashville. Alonso left shortly after that.
Beckham asked ex-Manchester United teammate Phil Neville to guide the ship. Neville, who had just finished coaching the England Women’s team, took over and lined up several moves, including Kieran Gibbs and Ryan Shawcross. Despite these efforts, the squad faced an inquiry into the Matuidi transaction after a slow start.
The investigation discovered a breach of roster designation regulations, resulting in a record $2 million punishment for Inter Miami. Matuidi’s undeclared designated player designation meant his compensation surpassed the MLS cap, compounding his on-field troubles.
Neville’s stint was a failure, with the squad failing to win any trophies. His dismissal at the end of the 2022 season was the climax of a string of bad outcomes. Stuart Holden, a former United States and Bolton midfielder, criticised the club, emphasising the importance of league integrity.
In the modern day, Inter Miami has seen a tremendous rebirth. Lionel Messi’s arrival helped the club to its first trophy, guiding them to the top of the league rankings. Messi’s effect has transformed the team’s fortunes and reawakened the passion of millions of supporters. The story of the club’s path from controversy to Messi’s magic illustrates the tenacity and perseverance of a club determined to make its imprint in the world of football.
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