In 2022, Inter Miami CF was the epitome of inconsistency from the very start. They began the season with a five-game winless streak, before winning three consecutive games immediately afterwards. In the final months of the season, they managed a three-game losing streak, directly followed by a four-game winning streak. There was some sort of quality there, but it only lasted for so long. At the forefront of the success, especially late in the season, was Gonzalo Higuain. Higuain began to catch fire, scoring 16 goals on the year. Leo Campana added another 11 goals. Outside of those two, there were not many other avenues to look towards for goal scoring. In the end, they finished at .500, with a 14-14-6 record. This was good enough to qualify for a playoff matchup against NYCFC, where their season ultimately ended. Miami's defense was leaky at times, so they made quite a few moves this off-season as a result.
Starting center back Damion Lowe was traded to the Philadelphia Union, opening up a huge need for Inter Miami at the position. Their response was to sign the extremely experienced Serhiy Kryvstov, a 31-year-old Ukrainian that spent most of his career with Shakhtar Donetsk. Meanwhile, with Christopher McVey likely moving to CB full-time, Miami added left back Franco Negri from Newell's. Jean Mota will sit in the defensive midfield role, possibly with Gregore. Brazilian clubs Bahia and Vasco da Gama are pursuing Gregore, so it's unclear if he will remain with Miami. Rodolfo Pizarro also returned from his loan spell with Monterrey as a DP, but his role will likely be smaller, at least to begin with. Nicolas Stefanelli arrived from Swedish club AIK, a 28-year-old Argentine who can play any of the positions in the attack. Gonzalo Higuain retired, ending his legendary career as a striker. To replace him, in one of the most intriguing intra-league trades MLS has seen, Inter Miami acquired Josef Martinez from Atlanta United. Josef and Campana could be a dangerous strike duo once settled in. The MLS MVP in 2020, Alejandro Pozuelo, left as a free agent to Konyaspor. Emerson Rodriguez went on loan to Santos Laguna.
Inter Miami CF have a massive opportunity on their hands in 2023. This lineup is one capable of doing damage in the attack, especially if Stefanelli brings the spark he is expected to. The only real concern could come if Gregore does get sold, because Miami would have quite a hole in the central midfield. They don't currently have a player who can replace what he does, but they would have to stick one of Pizarro, Cremaschi, Ulloa, or Taylor into the midfield. Their depth is not extremely extensive, but it could get the job done. Ariel Lassiter is a solid depth attacker, as he was third on the Miami goal scoring list last year. Bryce Duke may get the start on the other side of the midfield. The 21-year-old impressed in his 28 appearances last season, including 16 starts. He showed his creative ability through his five assists. There is no doubt that watching Josef Martinez play in another MLS side outside of Atlanta will be must-watch TV. Inter Miami has the potential to be one of the most exciting teams to watch this season.
Projected XI:
GK: Callender
DEF: Negri, McVey, Kryvstov, Yedlin
MID: Mota, Gregore, Duke, Stefanelli
FWD: Campana, Martinez
Off-Season Grade: B+
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