Inter Miami Kicks Off Pre-Season With Win Over Club América
Javier Mascherano gets his first win as Inter Miami manager.
photo credit: Inter Miami CF
Ahead of a packed 2025 schedule, Inter Miami started pre-season on the right foot, beating Mexican powerhouse Club América, 3-2 on penalties.
The match was fluid, with Mascherano implementing a very different style from his predecessor, Tata Martino.
The Herons lined up in a hybrid, 4-4-2/4-2-3-1, with Lionel Messi playing a free-roaming role while Luis Suárez started as his strike partner.
Fafà Picault and Robert Taylor were the wingers, Federico Redondo and Sergio Busquets controlled the midfield as the double pivot, and Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Tomas Avilés and Marcelo Weigandt filled out the backline.
I talked about this on Twitter, but Mascherano mentioned in one of his media availability interviews that he wanted Miami to play at a higher tempo, which involved high pressing and intensity.
We witnessed that and more from the Herons during their first pre-season stop.
Picault Was A Much-Needed Pick-Up For Miami
Picault’s pace and tenacity were a game-changer on Miami’s left-hand side and gave Jordi Alba some much-needed help on the left flank defensively.
With Picault playing on the left, I foresee Alba being able to rest more in defense, knowing he has such a technically gifted and hardworking teammate to cover him. This allows Alba to pick and choose when to go forward, maximizing his offensive potential.
Additionally, with Picault capable of scoring himself, Alba won’t need to carry the attacking load of the left side as heavily as he did in 2024.
While it’s only game one of pre-season, that partnership was particularly encouraging.
There’s Still Work To Be Done
photo credit: Inter Miami CF
Though it was Miami’s first pre-season game, there are some things that the Herons will need to work on.
First, sharpness. This is simple and will come with time as Miami plays more matches.
Second, defending in transition moments. There were times against Club América where Miami’s midfield double pivot pushed too far up the field, and left space in behind for the defense to deal with.
As Mascherano continues to work with the team, we’ll see the squad - inevitably, get better at communicating and defending during these moments.
Also, I’ll have to say, for the amount of possession Club América had in the first half, Miami did a pretty great job defensively to keep them to a single goal.
Take A Bow, Santiago Morales
video credit: Inter Miami CF
The 17-year-old Academy product sealed the win for Miami, boldly stepping up to score the winning penalty. Here’s what he had to say after the game.
They looked really good I thought for a preseason with new players and a new coach. What a night! Messi’s hair, Messi’s goal, Suarez, Fafa, and some great plays.
Disagree with your comments about Picault. To me, he looked quite ordinary whereas Taylor, where he was playing, deeper than usual, looked like a fish out of water. I agree they needed to add speed but to me Taylor is the superior player at the position they started Picault at.