Long before Lionel Messi revolutionize the Mls with the Inter Miami CF, The city of Miami I already had history in football professional. Although the pink and black club founded in 2018 has put the city on the global sport map, it was not the first to represent Miami in American football.
Miami Fusion: The first great football project in the city
He Miami Fusion It was the first team of the city to compete in the Major League Soccer (MLS). Founded on 1997he debuted in the league in 1998 and played his games in the Lockhart Stadium by Fort Lauderdale, a city neighbor to Miami.
Despite having figures like Carlos Valderrama, Diego Serna and Prekiand to win the Supporters’ Shield in 2001 (Prize for the best team in regular season), the club was dissolved that year for economic and assistance reasons. The disappearance of the fusion left Miami without representation in the highest category of American football for almost two decades.
Miami FC: Soccer in the Second Division
In 2006the Miami FCa club that has kept the flame of football alive in the city even when there were no teams in the MLS. Founded by the businessman Riccardo Silvathe team has played in several leagues, including the Usl Championshipwhich is the second division of American football.
Over the years, the Miami FC has been a platform for local and international talents and has maintained a solid base of fans.
The rebirth with Inter Miami CF
Elite football return to Miami was driven by David Beckhamwho had a special clause in his contract with the MLS (when he played at the Galaxy) that allowed him to found a new club. With the support of Commissioner Don GarberBeckham and its partners founded the Inter Miami Cf in 2018and the team debuted in the MLS in 2020.
Since then, the club has had a meteoric growth, especially with the arrival of stars such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Albawhich have made Inter Miami one of the most followed teams worldwide.
Before Inter Miami, the city was home to Miami Fusion and Miami FCtwo teams that laid the bases of professional football in southern Florida. Although the fusion had a short life, its impact was significant, and the Miami FC has been constant in its mission of keeping the passion for football in the region alive.
Today, with Inter Miami as the protagonist of the MLS and with world -class figures in its template, Miami football past charges even more value as part of a rich sports evolution.
