History of Inter Miami CF in Timeline
Inter Miami CF is a professional soccer club based in the Miami metropolitan area, competing in Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference. Their current home games take place at Chase Stadium. Future plans include relocating to a new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, by 2026. The club is a prominent fixture in the MLS and represents the Miami region in professional soccer.
2001: Miami Fusion Folded
In 2001, the Miami Fusion folded, leading to MLS's renewed interest in placing an expansion franchise in Miami in later years.
2007: Beckham Joined MLS with Expansion Team Option
In 2007, David Beckham joined MLS with an option to purchase an expansion team at a price of $25 million, a clause negotiated by his business manager Simon Fuller.
2007: Beckham's MLS contract includes expansion team option
In 2007, David Beckham signed a contract with MLS when he joined LA Galaxy. The contract included an option to own an expansion team at a discounted franchise fee.
2007: Fuller Negotiated Expansion Clause
In 2007, Simon Fuller negotiated a clause in David Beckham's contract that enabled him to have a franchise at the end of his playing career.
October 2008: Miami Expansion Team Announced Expansion Bid
In October 2008, a Miami expansion team led by FC Barcelona and Marcelo Claure announced an expansion bid, with plans to begin play in 2011.
2011: Original Plan to Begin Play
The Miami expansion team initially planned to begin play in 2011, but this did not materialize due to various issues.
November 2012: MLS Confirmed Renewed Interest in Miami Expansion
In November 2012, MLS commissioner Don Garber confirmed the league's renewed interest in placing an expansion franchise in Miami, following the Miami Fusion's folding after the 2001 season.
April 2013: Beckham Ended Playing Career
In April 2013, David Beckham ended his playing career, leading to discussions with Simon Fuller about expansion targets, including Miami.
December 2013: Miami-Dade County Approved Stadium Negotiations
In December 2013, Miami-Dade County commissioners voted unanimously to allow Mayor Carlos A. Giménez to negotiate with the Beckham-led group on a new stadium in downtown Miami.
2013: Miami Beckham United formed
In 2013, the ownership group behind the franchise was first formed as Miami Beckham United.
February 5, 2014: Beckham Exercised Expansion Option
On February 5, 2014, MLS announced that David Beckham exercised his option, and Miami Beckham United would own an expansion franchise in Miami, contingent on securing a stadium.
August 2014: Expansion Approval Contingent on Stadium Plan
In August 2014, Commissioner Garber reiterated that the expansion would not be approved until a downtown stadium plan was secured. Deputy commissioner Mark Abbott said Miami would be the 23rd team if a deal could be reached.
2014: Original Announcement of Pursuing a Team
Four years after the original announcement of pursuing a team, on January 29, 2018, the Miami Beckham United group was awarded the twenty-fifth MLS franchise, set to launch in the 2020 season.
2014: Claure Joined Beckham's Group
In 2014, Marcelo Claure joined David Beckham's group of investors for the Miami expansion bid that was accepted by the league.
2015: Orlando City joins MLS
In 2015, Orlando City SC joined MLS and became the first intrastate match against an MLS opponent following the introduction of Inter Miami as an expansion franchise in 2020.
2017: Masayoshi Son and the Mas brothers join ownership group
In 2017, Masayoshi Son and brothers Jorge and Jose Mas joined Marcelo Claure in the ownership group of Miami Beckham United, now known as Miami Freedom Park LLC.
January 29, 2018: MLS Officially Approves Expansion Team in Miami
On January 29, 2018, MLS officially approved an expansion team in Miami, marking a significant step for the club's establishment.
September 5, 2018: Club Name Announced
On September 5, 2018, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, shortened to Inter Miami CF, was announced as the club's official name.
November 6, 2018: Referendum Approves Stadium Construction
On November 6, 2018, a public referendum resulted in roughly 60 percent of voters approving the measure to convert the city-owned golf course near the Miami International Airport into Inter Miami's new stadium.
January 2019: Club announces intentions for Lockhart Stadium site
In January 2019, Inter Miami announced its intentions to use the Lockhart Stadium site in Fort Lauderdale as the club's training ground, youth academy, and future USL team location.
January 2019: Inter Miami Pursues Lockhart Stadium Site
In late January 2019, Inter Miami announced its intentions to pursue the Lockhart Stadium site to serve as the club's training ground.
March 2019: Fort Lauderdale Approves Inter Miami's Bid for Lockhart Stadium
In March 2019, the Fort Lauderdale city council unanimously approved Inter Miami's bid for the Lockhart Stadium site.
May 2019: Beckham Bought Out Fuller
In May 2019, David Beckham bought out Simon Fuller, consolidating his control over the Miami expansion franchise.
July 9, 2019: Fort Lauderdale Approves 50-Year Lease Agreement
On July 9, 2019, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission unanimously approved a 50-year lease agreement for the Lockhart Stadium site with Inter Miami.
August 6, 2019: Heineken partnership announced
On August 6, 2019, Heineken became the official beer of Inter Miami through a partnership/sponsorship deal.
August 20, 2019: Soil Contamination at Melreese Golf Course Confirmed
On August 20, 2019, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez confirmed a report that soil contamination at Melreese golf course, the proposed site for the stadium, was far worse than previously thought.
October 6, 2019: Expansion Priority Draft
On October 6, 2019, Inter Miami won the coin toss for the Expansion Priority Draft, choosing to select first in the expansion draft.
October 9, 2019: Club announces reserve team in USL League One
On October 9, 2019, Inter Miami announced it would field a reserve team in USL League One, providing a platform for future players to develop with the goal of joining the first team.
November 16, 2019: Protected Rosters and Draft-Eligible Players Released
On November 16, 2019, MLS released lists of protected rosters and draft-eligible players for the upcoming expansion draft.
November 19, 2019: MLS Expansion Draft
On November 19, 2019, Major League Soccer organized the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft with the addition of Inter Miami and Nashville SC for the 2020 season.
December 30, 2019: Diego Alonso Announced as Inaugural Head Coach
On December 30, 2019, Diego Alonso, former Uruguay national team player and C.F. Monterrey manager, was announced as the club's inaugural head coach.
2019: Inter Miami CF Academy established
In 2019, the Inter Miami CF Academy, the official youth academy and development system of Inter Miami CF, was established, including age groups from under-12 to under-17.
February 14, 2020: Pizarro Joined Inter Miami
On February 14, 2020, Pizarro left Monterrey for Inter Miami, rejoining head coach Diego Alonso for a third time. Monterrey filed a complaint with FIFA for improper contact between the player and David Beckham.
March 1, 2020: First MLS Game
On March 1, 2020, Inter Miami played their first MLS game, losing 1–0 away to Los Angeles FC.
March 14, 2020: First Home Match Delayed
On March 14, 2020, Inter Miami's first home match against LA Galaxy, David Beckham's former club, was supposed to occur but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 2020: Inter Miami Begins Playing in Fort Lauderdale
In March 2020, Inter Miami began playing their matches in Fort Lauderdale while their new stadium is being constructed.
March 27, 2020: Inaugural season opener postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic
On March 27, 2020, Inter Miami's inaugural season opener against Union Omaha at Inter Miami CF Stadium was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 3, 2020: Regional English-language television deal with CBS Television Stations announced
On April 3, 2020, Inter Miami announced a regional English-language television deal with CBS Television Stations, with matches airing on WBFS-TV and WFOR-TV.
August 13, 2020: Matuidi Signed
On August 13, 2020, Blaise Matuidi signed for Inter Miami on a free transfer, and made his club debut on September 6.
August 23, 2020: First Franchise Victory
On August 23, 2020, Inter Miami recorded their first franchise victory, winning 3–2 over Orlando City SC.
September 18, 2020: Higuain Signed
On September 18, 2020, Gonzalo Higuaín signed for Inter Miami. On his debut he missed a penalty and then started a fight.
2020: Team Began Playing in MLS
In the 2020 season, Inter Miami began playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) and signed several high-profile players, marking the start of their competitive journey.
2020: Launch in MLS
In the 2020 season, Miami Beckham United launched as the twenty-fifth MLS franchise, playing on the site of Lockhart Stadium at the new Chase Stadium.
2020: Expansion season
The 2020 season saw the addition of Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC to MLS, necessitating an expansion draft in 2019.
January 7, 2021: Diego Alonso Left
On January 7, 2021, Diego Alonso left Inter Miami by mutual consent, ending his tenure as the club's inaugural head coach.
January 18, 2021: Phil Neville Appointed as Head Coach
On January 18, 2021, Phil Neville was appointed as the new head coach of Inter Miami, and Chris Henderson was appointed as chief soccer officer and sporting director.
March 23, 2021: Kieran Gibbs Announced to Join
On March 23, 2021, it was announced that Kieran Gibbs would join Inter Miami when his contract with West Brom expired in the summer.
April 8, 2021: Inter Miami Reaches Naming Rights Agreement with AutoNation
On April 8, 2021, Inter Miami reached a naming rights agreement with AutoNation, with an official announcement made the following day.
April 9, 2021: Inter Miami and AutoNation Announce Partnership
On April 9, 2021, Inter Miami CF and AutoNation announced a multi-layered three-year deal.
May 2021: Inter Miami Fined for Roster Violations
In May 2021, Inter Miami had to pay a $2 million fine for breaking MLS rules, as Matuidi was the fourth designated player in the team rather than the permitted three.
May 28, 2021: MLS Sanctioned Inter Miami
On May 28, 2021, MLS announced that it would sanction Inter Miami CF, owner Jorge Mas, and former sporting director Paul McDonough for violating roster rules during the 2020 season.
September 17, 2021: Beckham and Mas brothers buy out Claure and Son's stakes
On September 17, 2021, it was announced that David Beckham and the Mas brothers had acquired Marcelo Claure and Masayoshi Son's stakes in the ownership group, with Ares Management also joining the group.
January 2022: Matuidi Left Off Roster
In January 2022, Blaise Matuidi was left off Inter Miami's roster for the 2022 season.
January 20, 2022: Campana Joined Inter Miami on Loan
On January 20, 2022, Leonardo Campana joined Inter Miami on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers of the Premier League.
January 26, 2022: Romeo Beckham Debut
On January 26, 2022, Romeo Beckham made his non-competitive senior debut for Inter Miami during a 4–0 pre-season win against Club Universitario de Deportes.
February 2, 2022: DeAndre Yedlin Joins Inter Miami
On February 2, 2022, DeAndre Yedlin signed a four-year contract with Inter Miami, including an option for an additional year. Coach Phil Neville highlighted Yedlin's experience and leadership as key assets for the team.
February 24, 2022: Fort Lauderdale CF rebrands as Inter Miami CF II
On February 24, 2022, Fort Lauderdale CF announced its rebranding as Inter Miami CF II in preparation for its move to MLS Next Pro.
March 6, 2022: Campana First Goal
On March 6, 2022, Leonardo Campana scored his first goal for Inter Miami, their only goal in a 5–1 loss to Austin FC.
April 11, 2022: Campana Named MLS Player of the Week
On April 11, 2022, Leonardo Campana was named MLS Player of the Week for Week 6 of the 2022 season, for his hat trick against the New England Revolution.
April 2022: Inter Miami partners with Brightline for fan transportation
In April 2022, Inter Miami announced a partnership with Brightline to provide passenger train service from Miami and West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale, including a dedicated shuttle service called the GOOOL Getter for fans with three round-trips before and after home matches.
April 28, 2022: Miami City Council approves 99-year lease for stadium site
On April 28, 2022, the Miami City Council approved a 99-year lease for Inter Miami to use the Melreese site, with the new stadium expected to be completed for the 2025 MLS season.
July 19, 2022: Friendly Game vs FC Barcelona
On July 19, 2022, Inter Miami had a friendly game match with FC Barcelona losing 6–0.
July 31, 2022: Higuain Scored a Hat-Trick
On July 31, 2022, Gonzalo Higuaín scored a hat-trick against FC Cincinnati in a 4-4 draw. Higuaín retired at the end of the 2022 MLS season.
December 23, 2022: Matuidi Retirement
On December 23, 2022, Blaise Matuidi announced his retirement from professional soccer after an 18-year career.
2022: Inter Miami CF Academy competes in MLS Next
In 2022, all of Inter Miami's youth teams began competing in the MLS Next soccer league.
January 20, 2023: Campana Signed Permanently
On January 20, 2023, Leonardo Campana signed with Miami on a permanent basis through the end of the 2025 season, with a club option to extend through 2026.
February 23, 2023: Gibbs Deal Terminated
On February 23, 2023, Kieran Gibbs and Inter Miami mutually agreed to terminate his deal at the club. He subsequently joined the club's broadcasting team.
February 25, 2023: Martínez Inter Miami Debut
On February 25, 2023, Josef Martínez made his Inter Miami debut in a match against CF Montréal, ending in a 2–0 win.
June 1, 2023: Inter Miami Parts Ways with Phil Neville
On June 1, 2023, Inter Miami announced the departure of head coach Phil Neville due to the club's position at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
June 2023: Stadium Expansion Planned After Messi Announcement
Following Lionel Messi's announcement in June 2023 of his planned move to Inter Miami, managing owner Jorge Mas announced plans to add 3,000 to 3,200 seats to the stadium to accommodate the expected increase in demand.
July 15, 2023: Lionel Messi Signs with Inter Miami
On July 15, 2023, Lionel Messi officially signed with Inter Miami as a Designated Player through the 2023 MLS season, after announcing his intention to join the club earlier in June. He turned down offers from other clubs and joined Inter Miami.
July 17, 2023: Messi's Unveiling Presentation
On July 17, 2023, Lionel Messi's unveiling presentation as an Inter Miami player garnered over 3.5 billion views worldwide.
July 21, 2023: Messi and Busquets Debut, Messi Scores Winning Goal
On July 21, 2023, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets made their Inter Miami debuts in a Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul. Messi scored the winning goal with a free-kick in stoppage time, securing a 2-1 victory.
August 2023: Construction commences on Inter Miami stadium
In August 2023, it was announced that all legal obstacles had been overcome and construction had officially begun on the Inter Miami stadium, with a current estimated completion date of 2026.
August 23, 2023: Inter Miami Advances to U.S. Open Cup Final
On August 23, 2023, Inter Miami defeated FC Cincinnati in the U.S. Open Cup semi-final, winning 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 draw to advance to the final.
August 26, 2023: Messi, Busquets and Alba Debut in MLS
On August 26, 2023, Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba made their first MLS appearances for Inter Miami against the New York Red Bulls, resulting in a 2-0 victory. Messi scored the final goal after being subbed in.
September 15, 2023: Campana Contract Extension
On September 15, 2023, Inter Miami announced the signing of forward Leonardo Campana to a contract extension through the 2027 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, with an option for 2028.
October 7, 2023: Inter Miami Eliminated from MLS Playoffs
On October 7, 2023, Inter Miami was defeated by FC Cincinnati, despite Messi's appearance as a substitute, which resulted in their elimination from the MLS playoffs.
October 21, 2023: Inter Miami Defeated by Charlotte FC
On October 21, 2023, Inter Miami was defeated 1-0 by Charlotte FC in the Decision Day match, despite Lionel Messi playing the entire match.
October 30, 2023: Messi Wins 8th Ballon d'Or, Inter Miami Celebrates with Friendly
On October 30, 2023, Lionel Messi won his record-breaking 8th Ballon d'Or, making Inter Miami the only MLS team with a current player to achieve this. The team celebrated with a friendly match against New York City FC named Noche d'Or, where Messi's Ballon d'Or was presented.
2023: Won 2023 Leagues Cup
Following Lionel Messi's debut, Inter Miami won their first major trophy, the 2023 Leagues Cup, qualifying the team for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup for the first time.
2023: Signing of Lionel Messi
In 2023, Inter Miami garnered international attention with the signing of Lionel Messi on a free transfer, significantly boosting the club's profile.
2023: MLS regional television contracts expire, coverage moves to Apple TV
In 2023, all of Major League Soccer's regional television contracts expired, and all television coverage moved to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
2023: Loan Ended
The Loan ended after the 2023 season, but Inter Miami had to pay a $2 million fine for breaking MLS rules, as Matuidi was the fourth designated player in the team rather than the permitted three.
January 2024: Stadium Expansion Completed
In January 2024, a second expansion was completed that increased capacity to 21,550 seats at DRV PNK Stadium.
February 15, 2024: Duracell becomes Inter Miami's official power partner
On February 15, 2024, Inter Miami announced a multi-year partnership with Duracell, making them the official power partner of the team.
February 20, 2024: Stadium Rebranded as Chase Stadium
On February 20, 2024, the day before Inter Miami's opening match of the 2024 regular season, the team announced a multi-year naming rights partnership with JPMorgan Chase. The stadium was rebranded as Chase Stadium effective immediately and included the installation of rooftop fireworks.
March 12, 2024: Inter Miami renews partnership with XBTO
On March 12, 2024, Inter Miami announced the renewal of its partnership with cryptofinance firm XBTO, keeping them as the team's official cryptofinance partner for multiple years.
March 2024: Tudor Announced as Official Timekeeper
In March 2024, Tudor was announced as the official timekeeper of Inter Miami.
April 2024: Lowe's Partners with Inter Miami
In April 2024, Lowe's launched a partnership with Inter Miami, offering fans opportunities to meet players and earn loyalty points at select stores.
May 2024: Inter Miami announces partnership with Visa Inc.
In May 2024, Inter Miami announced a premium multi-year international partnership with Visa Inc.
May 2024: Visa Sponsors Inter Miami
In May 2024, Visa announced their sponsorship of Inter Miami, securing exclusive brand activation rights internationally.
2024: Secured First Supporters' Shield
In the 2024 season, Inter Miami secured their first Supporters' Shield, marking another significant achievement for the club.
2025: Team value according to Forbes
As of 2025, Inter Miami's estimated value according to Forbes is $1.2 billion, ranking second in the league behind Los Angeles FC.
2025: Contract Through End of 2025
In January 2023, Leonardo Campana signed with Miami on a permanent basis through the end of the 2025 season, with a club option to extend through 2026.
2026: Move to Miami Freedom Park
In 2026, Inter Miami CF plans to move to Miami Freedom Park as their home stadium.
2026: Club option to extend through 2026
In January 2023, Leonardo Campana signed with Miami on a permanent basis through the end of the 2025 season, with a club option to extend through 2026.
2027: Contract extension through 2027 season
On September 15, 2023, Inter Miami announced the signing of forward Leonardo Campana to a contract extension through the 2027 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, with an option for 2028.
2028: option for 2028
On September 15, 2023, Inter Miami announced the signing of forward Leonardo Campana to a contract extension through the 2027 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, with an option for 2028.
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