Inter Miami’s Historic Signings
On June 19, 2023, a significant stir was created in the football community when Inter Miami’s co-owner Jorge Mas tweeted a cryptic message featuring the hashtag #nocaptionneeded. Accompanying this tweet was a photo showcasing three unmarked pink jerseys with the caption “Coming Soon.” At the time, fans were already buzzing with anticipation over Lionel Messi‘s impending move to Major League Soccer (MLS), but the revelation that Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba would also be reuniting in Miami was completely unexpected. Within just five days, Inter Miami made the shocking announcement, unveiling the trio of Barcelona legends as new signings and opening a fresh, illustrious chapter in the club’s history.
The Fantastic Four
Their first match as teammates came on August 2, where they made a triumphant appearance on the field together for the first time since their glorious days at FC Barcelona, leading their team to a 3-1 victory against Orlando City in the first round of the Leagues Cup. Later, Luis Suárez joined the ensemble at Chase Stadium, solidifying what has been affectionately dubbed the Fantastic Four. This talented squad not only won the 2023 Leagues Cup but also claimed the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and set a record for the highest points total in a single MLS season. However, the ultimate goal remained elusive: securing the coveted MLS Cup.
A Last Chance for Glory
Looking ahead, with Alba and Busquets planning to retire after the 2025 season, and the recent addition of Rodrigo De Paul from Atlético Madrid bolstering their ranks, this core group has one last chance to capture the championship that has so far slipped from their grasp. Defender Noah Allen expressed the team’s shared ambition, saying,
“We definitely want to win [MLS Cup] for them.”
Legacy at Barcelona
Before their time in Miami, the group had already made history at Barcelona, where they collectively won four La Liga titles, four Copa del Rey trophies, a UEFA Champions League title, a UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup. Reflecting on their synergy on the pitch, Alba recalled,
“The first assist I gave him was at Osasuna’s stadium when we won [2-1 in October 2012]. Since then, I think we’ve understood each other very well.”
Despite their glory days, by 2020, the quartet began to fracture with Suárez’s departure from Barça and Messi’s subsequent transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. Mas’s vision to reunite them in Miami was one both nostalgic and ambitious, aiming for a repeat of their Barcelona success in the vibrant pink jerseys of Inter Miami.
Challenges and Aspirations
Mas’s efforts bore fruit in various ways, including record attendance at matches—such as the notable crowd of over 70,000 during Miami’s visit to Kansas City in 2024, and a striking increase in revenue for the club. However, despite their off-field success, the team struggled to achieve the same performance at a competitive level. Messi, Alba, and Busquets joined Miami late in the 2023 season, which ultimately hindered their playoff prospects. Their initial surge—four wins out of six following their midseason triumph—stalled due to three draws and three losses, landing Miami in a disappointing 14th place in the Eastern Conference, nine points away from the playoff target.
Playoff Disappointment
When the Fantastic Four finally reached the playoffs, they were unceremoniously eliminated by Atlanta United, a team significantly lower in the standings. Alba expressed disappointment over the playoff format, calling it
“a little unfair”
in a 2024 interview. The 2025 season provided more avenues for success, with Miami competing in multiple tournaments including the Concacaf Champions Cup, but results remained frustrating. Their ambitions culminated in a Leagues Cup final loss to the Seattle Sounders and an earlier exit in the Champions Cup semifinals to the Vancouver Whitecaps, all while setting an MLS record for games played in a season.
Final Push for MLS Cup
As Inter Miami approached the playoffs again this year, having previously played Nashville SC in Round 1 and facing the crucial deciding match at Chase Stadium, the current scenario is imbued with heightened expectation; as Allen pointed out,
“If Inter Miami don’t win MLS Cup, it’s a failure.”
There is a tangible drive, not out of panic but as motivation, to secure victory not just for themselves, but for the legacy of Alba and Busquets, who have become pivotal figures for both veteran and young players alike within the squad. In their pursuit of the MLS Cup, the squad reflects a united front, eager to rise to the occasion and cement a celebrated end to their storied careers.
Impact on Young Players
Players like Allen and Yannick Bright may not share the extensive history that Messi and Suárez have with Alba and Busquets, but they resonate with the impact these legends have had on their own development. Bright expressed his admiration for Busquets’s professionalism and meticulous approach to the game. As the stakes rise ahead of the decisive match, the overarching goal remains clear: to send Alba and Busquets into retirement with one last trophy to their names. In the world of soccer, ultimate triumph doesn’t always favor those who play best, as De Paul noted, emphasizing the need for both skill and a favorable turn of fate. This impending match could define the legacy of Miami’s illustrious signings, and the opportunity to secure the MLS Cup hangs in the balance. The future of Inter Miami, and of its Fantastic Four, is teetering at the edge of possibility, ready to deliver one last unforgettable chapter.
