Following their Supporters’ Shield triumph, Inter Miami will be keen to add to their trophy cabinet in 2025.
The Herons topped the Eastern Conference in 2024, racking up a record points total of 74 points – the highest tally in MLS history.
Inter Miami’s league success, however, failed to translate to cup competitions, with Lionel Messi’s side falling at the first hurdle in the MLS Cup playoffs against Atlanta United.
In the CONCACAF Champions Cup meanwhile, Inter Miami also flattered to deceive – exiting the competition in the quater-finals against Mexican side Monterrey.
With that being said, Javier Mascherano’s men will undoubtedly be keen to improve on last season’s CONCACAF showing in 2025 – the Herons, however, will be without one of their key stars in their first game.
Jordi Alba suspended for CONCACAF Champions Cup opener
Inter Miami kick off their quest for CONCACAF glory against fellow MLS outfit Sporting Kansas City.
The 2024 US Open Cup finalists will provide the Herons with a stern test – a test they will have to overcome without star defender Jordi Alba.
That is because the 35-year-old is actually suspended for the clash, having received a red card in Inter Miami’s last CONCACAF Champions Cup fixture against Monterrey back in April.
Alba, who recently signed a new Inter Miami deal, will miss one game through suspension having received two yellows in four minutes against the Mexican side.
Who could replace Jordi Alba against Sporting Kansas City?
Alba was included in the MLS Best XI following his impressive displays in 2024, and his impact could be sorely missed against Sporting Kansas City.
This begs the question as to who could replace the Champions League-winning defender.
The Vice City team currently only have two registered left-backs on their books, with Alba being one of those and 20-year-old Noah Allen being the other.
| Noah Allen’s 2024 stats | Apps | Goals | Assists | Minutes played |
| MLS Cup Playoffs | 2 | – | – | 85′ |
| MLS | 17 | – | – | 917′ |
| Leagues Cup | 3 | – | – | 103′ |
| MLS Next Pro | 4 | – | – | 420′ |
| CONCACAF Champions Cup | 3 | – | – | 193′ |
| Total | 29 | – | – | 1,718′ |
Allen’s stats suggest he would be the most viable option to replace Alba against Sporting Kansas City, Mascherano, however, could be tempted to move a center-back across, with the likes of Tomas Ailves and Inter-Miami-linked Marc Bartra being potential full-back options.