Inter Miami’s preparation for the 2024 Major League Soccer season will begin in November.
On Sunday, October 15th, the club announced that they would be heading to China in early November to play friendlies against Chinese Super League sides Qingdao Hainiu FC and Chengdu Rongcheng. Ticketing and broadcast information will be revealed at a later date.
Miami’s year will come to an early end this week, as the Herons failed to make the playoffs. With the MLS off-season nearly four months long, Inter Miami needed a way to keep the squad fresh during their downtime.
The scheduled games in China will be a welcomed sight for the team. Not only will it be an excellent way for the club to grow its brand, but it will also give the team some extra game time during a tedious off-season.
The 2024 MLS season is projected to start in February, with pre-season rumored to begin in early January.
Working towards 2024
Inter Miami’s 2023 will end in disappointment.
Despite playing well and earning their first title in club history with the Leagues Cup, the team failed to make the playoffs.
This setback was in large part due to Miami’s early season form and injury setbacks.
Before the roster overhaul and coaching change in the summer, the Herons were led by former England Women’s National Team manager Phil Neville.
During Neville’s reign, Inter Miami played uninspiring football. Their inability to attack, and poor defense, saw them linger at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Additionally, Miami was also hampered by the ailments of several key players. Brazilian midfield duo Jean Mota and Gregore both suffered season-ending injuries, which severely handicapped the Heron’s style of play.
By the time Tata Martino was hired, Inter Miami’s roster was largely incomplete and needed an overhaul. The signings of Lionel Messi, Sergi Busquets, and Jordi Alba helped turn the Herons around. As the organization pivots to 2024, it won’t want to repeat the mistakes of early 2023.
These November exhibition matches will give Martino extra games to implement his full tactical identity for next year.