“We’re not a team that chooses which competitions to play in; we’re obligated to compete in all of them,” stated Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano following the team’s recent exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Inter Miami was eliminated by Nashville SC, with Cristian Espinoza scoring the decisive goal in the two-leg knockout series. Lionel Messi managed to score Inter Miami’s only goal in the matchup, but it was not enough to secure advancement.
This setback comes on the heels of a remarkable rise for Inter Miami since Messi’s arrival, having won the inaugural Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, and the MLS Cup in 2025. However, the 2026 season has presented new challenges.
Mascherano emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, saying, “Clearly, the Champions League is the only competition the club normally plays in that we’re missing, and it’s generating a lot of excitement for all of us.” He cautioned against letting the situation become an obsession, stating, “Now, what we can’t allow is for this to become an obsession. It’s one thing to be excited, another to be obsessed.”
Inter Miami’s roster has seen significant changes, including the retirement of key players Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba before the 2026 season. In response, the club signed Germán Berterame as a designated player, but he has struggled, playing 467 minutes without scoring.
With their exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup, Inter Miami’s only remaining trophy opportunity for 2026 is now uncertain. The team’s future performance in MLS is unclear, and they may need to adapt their strategy moving forward.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding Inter Miami’s next competitive match following this disappointing exit. The team will need to regroup and refocus as they look ahead to the remainder of the season.
As the club navigates this challenging period, fans are left wondering what lies ahead for the team, especially with Messi’s contract running through 2028. The urgency to regain form and competitiveness is palpable.
“Maybe next year … unless?” is a sentiment echoed by many as they ponder the future of Inter Miami in the wake of this setback.