The recent Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal series saw Inter Miami CF facing off against CF Monterrey, where they were eliminated by a 5-2 aggregate score. Head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino didn’t hold back in criticizing Major League Soccer roster rules for hindering the team’s ability to compete “at the same level as Liga MX.” Martino emphasized the importance of having deeper rosters to deal with injuries and suspensions, pointing out that the advantage currently lies with Liga MX due to the roster restrictions in MLS.
The first leg of the quarterfinal series saw Inter Miami falling 2-1 to Monterrey at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The absence of Lionel Messi on the pitch was evident as the team struggled to contain Maximiliano Meza and Jorge Rodríguez. Even with Messi returning for the second leg, Monterrey continued their dominance, sealing a 3-1 victory with goals from Jesús Gallardo, Germán Berterame, and Brandon Vázquez. The lack of substitutions from Miami throughout the game was attributed to the inexperience of the bench players, as explained by Martino.
Inter Miami player Julian Gressel echoed the team’s frustrations with the lack of depth in the squad. Gressel highlighted the disparity between the two benches, emphasizing the need for a deeper roster to compete effectively in competitions like the Concacaf Champions Cup. The team’s struggle to make significant changes during the game further underscored the impact of roster rules on their performance against Monterrey.
Amidst the disappointment of the quarterfinal exit, there is hope on the horizon for Inter Miami and other MLS teams. Reports from ESPN revealed that the MLS board of governors approved changes to the league’s roster rules, aimed at providing more flexibility in roster construction. The adjustments include easing restrictions on designated players and under-22 initiative signings, as well as increasing contract buyouts and general allocation money for teams. These changes are set to come into effect when the summer transfer window opens on July 18, signaling a potential shift in the competitive landscape of MLS.
As Inter Miami reflects on their Concacaf Champions Cup journey and the impact of MLS roster rules, there is a sense of optimism for the future. The upcoming roster changes present an opportunity for the team to strengthen their squad and compete more effectively against top-tier opponents like Liga MX teams. With Tata Martino at the helm and a renewed focus on roster depth and flexibility, Inter Miami CF aims to establish themselves as a formidable force in North American soccer, capable of challenging the best in the region.