Who is Inter Miami?
The Herons have been maddeningly inconsistent in 2025, careening between looking like world-beaters or beer-league bums.
Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets passes the ball as Carlos Gil of the New England Revolution moves to defend. CREDIT: Inter Miami CF
It isn’t easy being a supporter of Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, but it’s rarely dull; the Herons’ Jekyll and Hyde performances in 2025 are a prime example.
With five matches left in the season, Miami seemed poised to overtake Philadelphia to claim its second straight Supporters’ Shield. The Herons had just dominated the in-form Pigeons of New York City FC, beating them 4-0 in New York. All they had to do was win out, and they’d lift the Shield and, more importantly, guarantee themselves home-field advantage throughout the MLS Cup playoffs.
So, what happened? Los Garzas settled for a 1-1 draw in Toronto and a devastating 5-3 home loss to the Chicago Fire. The Reds failed to make the playoffs and the resurgent Fire barely slipped in, clinching a berth with that win in Miami. Neither team should challenge the Pink.
Dropping four points in two matches had fans expecting further disappointment down the stretch and another early playoff exit. But then, Saturday happened.
A flicker of promise
Suddenly the slumping Herons looked like the squad that beat European big boys Porto FC in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup. OK, they played hapless New England, another one of six teams not making the nine-team Eastern Conference playoff bracket, but Miami played beautiful soccer in a 4-1 home win against the Revolution.
Jordi Alba and Tadeo Allende each scored twice, Lionel Messi had three assists, and every player turned in solid, energetic — joyous? — performances; it was the kind of team effort that makes me want to believe Inter Miami is a championship contender.
The Herons are third in the Eastern Conference with 59 points, behind only the Philadelphia Union (66 points), which clinched the Supporters’ Shield with a win Saturday against NYCFC, and FC Cincinnati (62).
Playoff scenarios
If Miami wins its final two matches, at home Saturday against Atlanta United (27 points) and at Nashville (sixth place, 54 points) on “Decision Day,” Oct. 18, it theoretically could nab second place. If Cincinnati wins its finale against Montreal (28) and the Herons win out, Cincy and Miami both would have 65 points and 19 wins, the first tiebreaker. The second tiebreaker is goal differential, and the high-scoring Herons are currently plus-19, 10 better than the Blue & Orange.
On the other hand, if Miami’s Hyde side reappears and the Herons fail to get a point from their final matches, two teams — Charlotte FC and the Pigeons from NYCFC — could theoretically jump Los Garzas in the standings.
What does it all mean? Well, as of today, Inter Miami could finish anywhere from second to fifth, meaning their first round opponent could be any of the six teams currently below them in the standings: Charlotte, New York City FC, Nashville, Orlando, Chicago or Columbus.
If the playoffs started today, Miami would play Nashville in the best-of-three first-round series, with the deciding match played in South Florida, if necessary.
In the unlikely event the Herons end up in fifth place, they would have to play a best-of-three first round series without home-field advantage.
There’s only one trophy unclaimed; Las Rosanegra have failed to capture CONCACAF Champions Cup, the Club World Cup, the Leagues Cup, and the Supporters’ Shield. The MLS Cup is all that remains.
Who is Inter Miami right now? We’ll find out over the next few weeks.