Inter Miami begins the title defense with its sights set on the Concachampions

Miami (USA). — Inter Miami CF kicks off the 2026 season of the Major League Soccer this Saturday with the challenge of defending the first MLS Cup in its history and, at the same time, fulfilling its great obsession: to conquer the Concacaf Champions Cup.

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It’s been less than three months since Lionel Messi lifted the trophy after the 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the final. However, the team has experienced significant changes, including the retirements of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, key players in the conquest of the championship. The league debut will be at BMO Stadium against Los Angeles FC, in an initial streak of five consecutive away games while the works on the new Miami Freedom Park are completed, whose official debut is scheduled for April 4 against Austin FC.

The continental priority

Although revalidating the MLS is a clear objective, the management has been emphatic that the great challenge of the year is the Concachampions. The club will play its third consecutive participation in the regional tournament, to which it directly accesses in the second round due to its champion status.

The team, now under the leadership of the Argentinian Javier Mascherano, wants to overcome recent frustrations, such as the elimination in the semifinals last year, also against Vancouver. Mascherano has insisted that the group is designed to compete on all fronts. In March, Inter Miami will face the winner of the series between Nashville SC and Atlético Ottawa in its continental debut.

Defensive Reinforcements and Adjustments

The defensive fragility was one of the weak points in 2025, so the management reinforced that area. Spanish full-back Sergio Reguilón, the Argentinian Facundo Mura, the Brazilian Micael and the Argentinian midfielder David Ayala arrived. In addition, the Canadian Dayne St. Clair joined after being chosen as the best goalkeeper in MLS in 2025. In the offensive, Messi will continue to be accompanied by Luis Suárez, joined by forward Germán Berterame, from Monterrey, and the definitive incorporation of Rodrigo De Paul.

A special calendar

2026 will be an atypical year for MLS due to the break between May 25 and July 16 for the World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In addition, the club will experience a historic moment with the inauguration of Miami Freedom Park, a stadium with a capacity for 25,000 spectators that will mark the end of its time in Fort Lauderdale. With a reinforced squad, a new stadium on the horizon, and continental ambition as its banner, Inter Miami begins the season with the pressure of a champion and the desire to expand its international trophy case.