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Club World Cup Reality Check: What Inter Miami’s Exit Says About MLS
- FieldTalk
- Jul 3
- 3 min read
Three teams went in. None made it past the Round of 16. Now what?
The Club World Cup was supposed to be a coming-of-age moment for Major League Soccer. For the first time in tournament history, three MLS clubs—Seattle Sounders, LAFC, and Inter Miami—entered FIFA’s global proving ground.
And now? All three are out.
Seattle and LAFC didn’t survive the group stage. Inter Miami made it to the Round of 16—thanks in part to Messi magic—but ran into a buzzsaw in PSG. Final score: PSG 4, Inter Miami 0.
A harsh exit. A clearer truth: MLS still has work to do.
The Global Gap: Not Just About Talent
This wasn’t just about star power. Inter Miami had Messi, Busquets, Alba, and Suárez. LAFC had Denis Bouanga and a deep, high-energy squad. But the results exposed something deeper—depth, cohesion, and game model execution.
MLS teams are still adjusting to facing squads that treat possession like religion and transition like a weapon. You don’t survive Real Madrid or PSG with highlight reels—you need discipline, structure, and squad rotation that MLS simply doesn’t allow under its current rules.
The Salary Cap Stranglehold
Let’s be real: no global powerhouse is working within the kind of restrictions MLS clubs are. GAM, TAM, DP slots—it’s alphabet soup trying to build a competitive team.
At the Club World Cup, those limits showed. When PSG brought on fresh legs, Inter Miami brought on academy players. That’s not disrespect—it’s reality.
The league wants to grow—but you can’t play in a Champions League world while using intramural rules.
Transfers and Talent Drain: The Double-Edged Sword
The CWC did one thing well—it gave MLS players the spotlight. And that’s great for the players.
But let’s not act surprised when Europe comes knocking. Young talents like Nathan Ordaz, David Martinez, and Tadeo Allende will be targets. MLS is a shop window—and the CWC just polished the glass.
The question is: Can MLS clubs hold on to their best players long enough to compete globally? Or will this always be a stepping stone league?
Inter Miami’s Run: A Temporary High, or Blueprint?
Credit where it’s due—Inter Miami fought through the group. But their tournament exposed two things:
MLS clubs need more squad depth and fitness management.
You can’t win tournaments with just four stars.
If anything, Inter Miami’s run gave MLS a roadmap. Not a guaranteed formula—but a glimpse at what’s possible with ambition, investment, and buy-in.
Fieldtalk Take
The Club World Cup didn’t embarrass MLS—it exposed it.
It showed the potential of American clubs on a global stage, but also the limits of the system holding them back.
Fans are ready. Players are ready. But is the league?
If MLS wants to hang with the world’s best, it’s time to let go of the training wheels and let its clubs build like global contenders. The next Club World Cup isn’t that far off—and if we’ve learned anything, it’s that getting there is no longer enough.
NEWS & NOTES
All three MLS clubs are out: Seattle and LAFC exited in the group stage; Inter Miami was eliminated by PSG in the Round of 16.
Final score: PSG 4 – Inter Miami 0.
Top performers: Messi showed flashes, but the midfield was overrun by PSG’s speed and structure.
Salary cap watch: Inter Miami fielded a team with four legends but struggled for depth. Pressure is mounting for MLS to reconsider its roster restrictions.
Next up for Inter Miami? Recovery—and possibly rebuilding. This run may have been their best shot at global silverware in the Messi era.
Every time I play Dinosaur Game, I tell myself it’s just for fun—then I end up chasing a new high score for an hour straight!