History of Inter Miami CF in Timeline
2001: Miami Fusion folded
The Miami Fusion folded following the 2001 season, leading to a period without an MLS team in Miami.
2007: Fuller negotiates franchise option for Beckham
In 2007, David Beckham's manager, Simon Fuller, negotiated a clause in Beckham's contract enabling him to have a franchise at the end of his playing career.
2007: Beckham gets option to purchase expansion team
In 2007, when David Beckham joined the league, his business manager Simon Fuller secured him an option to purchase an expansion team for $25 million.
2007: Beckham's Contract with MLS
The effort to form the team originated in a contract David Beckham signed with MLS in 2007, where he joined LA Galaxy and negotiated an option to own an expansion team at a discounted franchise fee.
2011: Original target year for expansion team
In October 2008, an expansion team announced plans to begin play in 2011, though this did not come to fruition.
November 2012: MLS renews interest in Miami expansion franchise
In November 2012, MLS commissioner Don Garber confirmed the league's renewed interest in placing an expansion franchise in Miami.
April 2013: Beckham ends playing career
In April 2013, after David Beckham ended his playing career, MLS held discussions with Simon Fuller about expansion targets, including Miami.
December 2013: Miami-Dade County approves stadium negotiations
In December 2013, Miami-Dade County commissioners voted to allow Mayor Carlos A. Giménez to negotiate with the Beckham-led group on a new stadium in downtown Miami.
2013: Exploration of Dodge Island at PortMiami
In 2013, Dodge Island at PortMiami was considered as a potential location for the Inter Miami CF franchise.
2013: Formation of Miami Beckham United
In 2013, the ownership group behind the franchise was first formed as Miami Beckham United.
February 5, 2014: Beckham exercises option for Miami franchise
On February 5, 2014, MLS announced that David Beckham exercised his option for an expansion franchise in Miami, with Miami Beckham United as the ownership group, contingent on securing a stadium.
August 2014: MLS reiterates stadium plan needed for expansion approval
In August 2014, Commissioner Garber reiterated that the Miami expansion would not be approved until a downtown stadium plan was secured.
2014: Claure joins Beckham's group of investors
In 2014, Marcelo Claure joined David Beckham's group of investors for the Miami expansion bid that was accepted by the league.
2014: Consideration of Downtown Miami waterfront
In 2014, the Downtown Miami waterfront at Museum Park was considered as a potential location for the Inter Miami CF franchise.
2014: Inter Milan files trademark claim
In Spring 2014, Italian club Inter Milan filed a trademark claim with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the protected use of 'Inter'.
2014: Original announcement of pursuing a team
The Miami Beckham United group first announced pursuing a team in 2014.
2015: Consideration of site adjacent to Marlins Park and Overtown site
In 2015, a site adjacent to MLB's Marlins Park, and a privately owned site in Miami's Overtown were considered as potential locations for the Inter Miami CF franchise.
2015: Orlando City Joined MLS
Orlando City joined MLS in 2015 but had to wait until its sixth season to play a first intrastate match against an MLS opponent.
2016: Fort Lauderdale Strikers move out
In 2016, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers announced they were moving out of Lockhart Stadium.
2017: Masayoshi Son and Mas brothers added to ownership group
In 2017, Masayoshi Son and brothers Jorge and Jose Mas were added to the Miami Beckham United ownership group.
January 29, 2018: MLS approves Miami expansion team
On January 29, 2018, MLS officially approved the establishment of an expansion team in Miami, marking a significant step towards the creation of Inter Miami CF.
September 5, 2018: Club name announced
On September 5, 2018, Miami Freedom Park LLC announced Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, shortened to Inter Miami CF, as the club's official name.
November 6, 2018: Public 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 into Inter Miami's new stadium.
January 2019: Inter Miami pursues Lockhart Stadium site
In late January 2019, Inter Miami announced its intentions to pursue the Lockhart Stadium site.
March 2019: Fort Lauderdale approves Inter Miami's bid for Lockhart Stadium site
In March 2019, the Fort Lauderdale city council unanimously approved Inter Miami's bid for the Lockhart Stadium site.
April 2019: MLS objects to Inter Milan's trademark claim
In April 2019, MLS filed an objection to Inter Milan's trademark claim with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, arguing that the name 'Inter' was generic and could not be claimed exclusively.
May 2019: Beckham buys out Fuller
In May 2019, David Beckham bought out Simon Fuller's stake in the Miami expansion franchise.
June 2019: Freedom Park Proposed Launch Date
In June 2019, Beckham announced that Freedom Park had a proposed launch date of 2022.
July 9, 2019: Fort Lauderdale approves lease agreement with Inter Miami
On July 9, 2019, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission unanimously approved a 50-year lease agreement with Inter Miami for the Lockhart Stadium site.
August 6, 2019: Heineken partnership or sponsorship
On August 6, 2019, Heineken became the official beer of Inter Miami through a partnership or sponsorship.
August 20, 2019: Soil contamination at Melreese golf course
On August 20, 2019, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez confirmed that soil contamination at Melreese golf course, the proposed site for the stadium, was far worse than previously thought.
October 6, 2019: Inter Miami wins Expansion Priority Draft coin toss
On October 6, 2019, Inter Miami won the coin toss for the Expansion Priority Draft and chose to select first in the expansion draft.
October 9, 2019: Reserve team fielding announcement
On October 9, 2019, the club announced that they were fielding a reserve team in the third tier of US Soccer, USL League One. This team allows the club to prepare future players with quality competition in hopes of being called up to the first team. The unnamed League One Miami team will train at the training facilities of Chase Stadium.
November 16, 2019: Roster lists released for Expansion Draft
On November 16, 2019, MLS released lists of protected rosters and draft-eligible players for the upcoming Expansion Draft.
November 19, 2019: 2019 MLS Expansion Draft
On November 19, 2019, Major League Soccer organized the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft due to the addition of Inter Miami and Nashville SC for the 2020 season.
December 30, 2019: Diego Alonso announced as head coach
On December 30, 2019, Diego Alonso, former Uruguay national team player and C.F. Monterrey manager, was announced as Inter Miami's inaugural head coach.
2019: Inter Miami Academy established
In 2019, the Inter Miami Academy, the official youth academy and development system of Inter Miami, was established.
February 14, 2020: Pizarro joins Inter Miami, Monterrey files complaint
On February 14, 2020, Pizarro joined Inter Miami, and Monterrey filed a complaint with FIFA against Pizarro and Inter Miami for improper contact.
February 2020: Inter Milan sues Inter Miami for trademark infringement
In February 2020, Inter Milan sued Inter Miami for trademark infringement, asserting that the term 'Inter' is synonymous with its club.
March 1, 2020: First MLS Game
On March 1, 2020, Inter Miami played their first MLS game, losing 1–0 to Los Angeles FC.
March 2020: Inter Miami begins to play in Fort Lauderdale
In March 2020, Inter Miami began to play in Fort Lauderdale.
March 27, 2020: Inaugural Season Match Postponed
On March 27, 2020, the team's inaugural season match against Union Omaha at the Inter Miami Stadium was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 3, 2020: CBS Television deal announced
On April 3, 2020, Inter Miami announced a regional English-language television deal with CBS Television Stations, under which its regional matches will air on MyNetworkTV affiliate WBFS-TV, with selected matches airing on CBS station WFOR-TV.
August 13, 2020: Matuidi signs for Inter Miami
On August 13, 2020, Blaise Matuidi signed for Inter Miami on a free transfer.
August 23, 2020: First Franchise Victory
On August 23, 2020, Inter Miami recorded their first franchise victory, 3–2 over Orlando City.
September 18, 2020: Higuain signs for Inter Miami
On September 18, 2020, Gonzalo Higuaín signed for Inter Miami.
2020: Inaugural Season
In 2020, Inter Miami CF played their inaugural season. The crest displays two great white herons with interlocking legs forming a letter M.
2020: Team begins playing in the MLS
In the 2020 season, Inter Miami began playing in Major League Soccer, marking their inaugural season in the league.
2020: MLS franchise launch
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: Addition to MLS
With the addition of Inter Miami for the 2020 season, Major League Soccer organized the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft.
January 7, 2021: Diego Alonso leaves Inter Miami
On January 7, 2021, Diego Alonso left Inter Miami by mutual consent.
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 to Join Inter Miami
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 reached a naming rights agreement with AutoNation
On April 8, 2021, it was reported that Inter Miami had reached a naming rights agreement with AutoNation for Lockhart Stadium.
April 9, 2021: Inter Miami CF announces deal with AutoNation
On April 9, 2021, Inter Miami CF and AutoNation announced a multi-layered three-year deal.
May 2021: Fine for Breaking MLS Rules
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 sanctions Inter Miami for roster violations
On May 28, 2021, MLS announced sanctions against Inter Miami CF, owner Jorge Mas, and former sporting director Paul McDonough for violating roster rules during the 2020 season related to the signings of Blaise Matuidi and Andrés Reyes.
September 17, 2021: Beckham and Mas brothers buy out Claure and Son's stakes
On September 17, 2021, it was announced that Beckham and the Mas brothers had bought out Claure and Son's stakes in the ownership group. Ares Management was also added to the ownership group.
2021: Settlement between Inter Miami and Inter Milan
In 2021, Inter Miami and Inter Milan reached a settlement, allowing Inter Miami to continue using their name.
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 joins Inter Miami on loan
On January 20, 2022, Leonardo Campana joined Inter Miami on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
January 26, 2022: Romeo Beckham makes senior debut
On January 26, 2022, Romeo Beckham made his non-competitive senior debut for Inter Miami during a pre-season win against Universitario.
February 2, 2022: DeAndre Yedlin joins Inter Miami
On February 2, 2022, DeAndre Yedlin signed a four-year contract with Inter Miami, with an option for an additional year. Coach Phil Neville highlighted Yedlin's experience and leadership qualities as key assets for the team. Yedlin acknowledged the move and stated he improved his defending skills.
February 24, 2022: Fort Lauderdale Rebrands as Inter Miami II
On February 24, 2022, Fort Lauderdale announced that the team had rebranded as Inter Miami II ahead of their move to the MLS Next Pro, the new reserve league for MLS teams.
March 6, 2022: Campana scores first goal for Inter Miami
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: Partnership with Brightline Announced
In April 2022, Inter Miami announced a partnership with Brightline to provide passenger trains from Miami and West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale station with a dedicated shuttle for fans. The service, named the GOOOL Getter, will have three round-trips before and after home matches.
April 28, 2022: Miami City Council grants 99-year lease for Melreese site
On April 28, 2022, the Miami City Council voted 4–1 to grant Inter Miami a 99-year lease for the Melreese site, with the stadium projected to open in the 2025 MLS season.
July 31, 2022: Higuaín scores hat-trick
On July 31, 2022, Gonzalo Higuaín scored a hat-trick for Inter Miami against FC Cincinnati in a 4–4 draw.
September 2022: Florida Blue Purchases Naming Rights
In September 2022, the naming rights to the training facility were purchased by insurance company Florida Blue, leading to the Florida Blue Training Center.
December 23, 2022: Matuidi announces retirement
On December 23, 2022, Blaise Matuidi announced his retirement from professional soccer after an 18-year career.
2022: Youth teams compete in MLS Next soccer league
As of the inaugural 2022 season, all of Inter Miami's youth teams compete in the MLS Next soccer league.
2022: Inter Miami revenue
In 2022, Inter Miami reported a revenue of $50-60 million.
January 20, 2023: Campana permanently signs with Miami
On January 20, 2023, Leonardo Campana signed with Miami on a permanent basis and occupies a Young Designated Player roster slot and is signed through the end of the 2025 season, with a club option to extend through 2026.
February 23, 2023: Gibbs terminates deal, joins broadcasting
On February 23, 2023, Kieran Gibbs and Inter Miami mutually agreed to terminate his deal at the club, and he subsequently joined the club's broadcasting team.
February 25, 2023: Martínez makes 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
Following Lionel Messi's announcement of his move to Inter Miami in June 2023, managing owner Jorge Mas stated that the stadium would be expanded to add 3,000 to 3,200 seats, utilizing bleacher seating from the Miami International Autodrome.
August 2023: Construction Commenced on Miami Freedom Park
In August 2023, it was announced that the final legal hurdle had been cleared and construction had finally commenced on the stadium, with the current projection of completion being 2026.
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.
2023: Television coverage moved to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
After the 2023 season, all of Major League Soccer's regional television contracts expired, and all television coverage moved to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
2023: Won 2023 Leagues Cup
In 2023, Following Lionel Messi's debut, Inter Miami secured their first major trophy by winning the Leagues Cup, which qualified them for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
2023: Inter Miami becomes top selling team across all sports on Fanatics
In 2023, Inter Miami became the top-selling team across all sports on e-commerce retailer Fanatics, with Lionel Messi breaking the record for most shirt sales in 24 hours. The average price for tickets to Miami matches on StubHub increased five-fold to $161, and Inter Miami was one of the top Google searches. Forbes valued Inter Miami around $1 billion.
2023: Signing of Lionel Messi
In 2023, Inter Miami garnered international attention with the signing of Lionel Messi on a free transfer, boosting the team's profile.
2023: Inter Miami loses U.S. Open Cup final
In 2023, Inter Miami reached the U.S. Open Cup final, beating FC Cincinnati on penalties but ultimately lost to the Houston Dynamo 2-1. Also in 2023, Messi, Busquets, and Alba made their first MLS appearances against the New York Red Bulls, resulting in a 2-0 victory, with Messi scoring the final goal.
2023: Inter Miami wins 2023 Leagues Cup
In 2023, Inter Miami secured its first-ever trophy by winning the 2023 Leagues Cup against Nashville SC, winning 10-9 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. This victory qualified Inter Miami for the CONCACAF Champions Cup for the first time.
2023: Allocation reduced through 2023 season
MLS fined the club $2 million and reduced its allocation by $2.27 million for the 2022 and 2023 seasons due to breaking roster rules during the 2020 season related to the signings of Blaise Matuidi and Andrés Reyes.
January 2024: Second expansion completed
In January 2024, a second expansion was completed that increased capacity to 21,550 seats.
February 15, 2024: Partnership with Duracell as official power partner
On February 15, 2024, Inter Miami announced a multi-year partnership with battery brand Duracell as its official power partner.
February 2024: Controversy over Messi's absence in Hong Kong
In February 2024, a pre-season friendly against a Hong Kong XI sparked controversy due to Lionel Messi's absence, leading to the pause of a partnership between the Argentine and Chinese Football Associations.
February 20, 2024: DRV PNK Stadium Rebranded as Chase Stadium
On February 20, 2024, Inter Miami announced a multi-year naming rights partnership with JPMorgan Chase, rebranding DRV PNK Stadium as Chase Stadium.
March 12, 2024: Partnership Renewal with XBTO
On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, Inter Miami formally announced the renewal of its partnership with prominent, global cryptofinance firm XBTO. The multi-year extension sees XBTO remain as Inter Miami CF's Official Cryptofinance Partner.
March 2024: Tudor announced as official timekeeper
In March 2024, Tudor was announced as the official timekeeper for Inter Miami.
April 2024: Lowe's launches partnership 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: Partnership with Visa Inc.
In May 2024, Inter Miami announced a premium multi-year international partnership with Visa Inc.
May 2024: Visa announces sponsorship of Inter Miami
In May 2024, Visa announced their sponsorship of Inter Miami, securing exclusive international branding rights.
2024: Secured first Supporters' Shield
During the 2024 season, Inter Miami secured their first Supporters' Shield, qualifying them for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as hosts.
2024: Revenue forecast
In 2024, Inter Miami's revenue is projected to exceed $200 million, significantly surpassing the $50-60 million reported in 2022.
December 19, 2025: Tri-Rail Announces Special Service
On December 19, 2025, Tri-Rail stated that it will be announcing special service and hours for Inter Miami home games.
2025: Estimated Value and Won MLS Cup Championship
As of 2025, Forbes estimated Inter Miami's value at $1.2 billion, ranking second in the league. On December 6th, 2025, Inter Miami won its first MLS Cup Championship, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1.
2025: Inter Miami hosts 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
In 2025, Inter Miami hosted the opening of the FIFA Club World Cup and achieved a historic 2-1 win against Porto, becoming the first CONCACAF club to defeat a European club in the competition. They were later eliminated in the round of 16 by Paris Saint-Germain.
2025: Messi breaks all-time career assists record
In 2025, Lionel Messi broke the all-time career assists record with 405 assists during Inter Miami's MLS playoff run. The team won the MLS Cup final against the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1, marking the last game for Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
2025: Miami defeated Orlando City in Leagues Cup semi-finals.
In 2025, Miami defeated rivals Orlando City 3–1 in the Leagues Cup semi-finals. The team lost the final 3-0 to the Seattle Sounders away at Lumen Field. Following the final whistle, a fight broke out between players and staff from both teams, with Suárez spitting on a Seattle staff member.
2025: Miami secured Supporters' Shield
In 2025, Miami secured their first Supporters' Shield after a brace by Messi and a header by Suárez against the Columbus Crew.
2025: Campana Contract through 2025
On January 20, 2023, Leonardo Campana signed with Miami on a permanent basis and occupies a Young Designated Player roster slot and is signed through the end of the 2025 season, with a club option to extend through 2026.
2025: Stadium projected to open
The stadium was projected to open in the 2025 MLS season.
April 2026: Move to Nu Stadium
In April 2026, Inter Miami CF is scheduled to begin playing their home matches at Nu Stadium, transitioning from their previous venue, Chase Stadium.
2026: Projected completion of stadium construction
In August 2023, it was announced that the current projection of completion for the stadium being constructed was 2026.
2026: Campana Club Option Through 2026
On January 20, 2023, Leonardo Campana signed with Miami on a permanent basis and occupies a Young Designated Player roster slot and is signed through the end of the 2025 season, with a club option to extend through 2026.
2027: Campana Contract through 2027
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: Campana Club Option Through 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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