MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Club World Cup served as a benchmark for Major League Soccer (MLS), according to commissioner Don Gerber, who emphasized its role in demonstrating MLS’s increasing competitiveness on the global stage. Last Thursday in Atlanta and again at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday, Inter Miami showcased its progress by reaching the knockout stage of the tournament, drawing 2-2 with Brazil’s Palmeiras after nearly winning Group A with a 2-1 victory over FC Porto.
"We’ve shown the world," declared Miami head coach Javier Mascherano, highlighting Inter Miami’s capability to compete at high levels. Defender Noah Allen reiterated this confidence, stating, "We can hold our own."
However, while Inter Miami excelled, other MLS teams like the Seattle Sounders and LAFC struggled, with the former leaving Group B without a point and the latter failing to progress past Group D. Overall, teams from the U.S. and Mexico collectively performed poorly compared to representatives from South America and Africa, marking them as the weakest performers in the tournament despite having multiple participants.
Inter Miami stands apart, largely due to the presence of superstar Lionel Messi, who not only elevates the team’s performance with his skills and professionalism but also boosts recruitment efforts by drawing in other top players. With Messi’s influence, the team has transformed into a formidable squad, achieving a record number of regular-season points and making history by defeating a European opponent in a competitive context.
The impending match against European champions Paris Saint-Germain will further test Inter Miami’s mettle and amplify their global brand. Conversely, the performances of Seattle and LAFC underscore the challenges facing MLS in competing on an international scale, as they struggled without their top players and lacked the depth seen in global competitors.
Ultimately, Inter Miami’s success illustrates its unique advantage within a competitive league landscape, while MLS as a whole continues to seek opportunities for growth and recognition beyond these boundaries.
Fan Take: This news is significant as it illustrates the potential for MLS to compete internationally, especially with players like Messi leading the way. As the league continues to improve, fans can expect more exciting matchups and possibly a stronger reputation for American soccer on the global stage.
