Not for the first time in recent years, Montreal have been left carrying the flag for Canadian soccer in the MLS.

Toronto's wretched start to the 2022 campaign has all but ended their hopes of bringing the MLS Cup north of the border – despite the marquee signings of Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi – while the Vancouver Whitecaps have an outside chance at best of gatecrashing the play-offs.

But Montreal look mathematically assured in their quest for a playoff berth, and that would represent a major step forward under head coach Wilfried Nancy given that Le CFMTL have only reached the postseason extravaganza in the MLS once in the past five seasons.

In 2017, Toronto ended Canada's long wait for an MLS Cup victory, and since then it has been disappointment after disappointment for soccer fans north of the border.

So can Montreal bring an end to their – and Canada's – lengthy hoodoo in North America's premier competition?

All Hail Djordje

Montreal's roster is made up of quality operators from overseas (Victor Wanyama, Rudy Camacho, Lassi Lappalainen), gnarled MLS veterans (Romell Quioto, Kei Kamara) and impressive Canadians that have stepped up through the ranks like Alistair Johnson and Joel Waterman.

35' ROMANTIC2

Romell, again!#DCvMTL | 0-2 | #CFMTL pic.twitter.com/CxjmdKBttn

— CF Montréal (@cfmontreal) July 24, 2022

But it's a player that doesn't fit into any of those categories that has perhaps advanced Montreal more than any other this term. Djordje Mihailovic has scored seven goals and assisted three more in an already stellar campaign in midfield, and the fact that Montreal have been able to prevent clubs in Europe from snapping him up – so far, at least – ensures their hopes of challenging for the MLS Cup remain intact.

A call-up to the US national team seems a formality – perhaps, who knows, in time for the World Cup in November and December, and that is a goal that will surely push Mihailovic to new heights in the remaining weeks of the season.

Read Also: Wayne Rooney : Former England star responds to 'disrespectful' MLS critics as he takes over D.C. United

California Dreaming

When you look at the teams at the head of the MLS Supporters Shield table, there isn't a great deal for Montreal to fear in the likes of Austin, New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas. New York City have lost the prolific Valentin 'Taty' Castellanos to Girona in Spain – he had scored 32 goals in his last 49 appearances in the Big Apple, and in truth is bordering on the irreplaceable - which is a huge blow.

Read Also: Top 5 Highest Paid Players In The Major League Soccer (MLS)

Therefore, there is a growing case for Montreal to upset the odds, especially as those looking to enjoy the best online betting in Canada can back Montreal at +2000 to win the MLS Cup, which could be good value. However, Philadelphia are also commanding plenty of interest at +700 given that they won five games out of six in July, including 6-0 and 7-0 victories in amongst that fine collection.

Here. We. Go. ???????#LAFC | @GarethBale11 pic.twitter.com/LFij8suUsE

— LAFC (@LAFC) July 18, 2022

And then there's Los Angeles FC, who topped the Supporters Shield table before Gareth Bale and Giorgio Chiellini had even stepped foot on the Banc of California pitch. Those new signings are monumental for their new employer but for the MLS as a whole – Bale remains a world-class talent while Chiellini won the European Championships with Italy barely a year ago.

It fortified LAFC's hopes for a maiden MLS crown, and they will surely take some stopping from here. But one thing's for sure… Montreal won't relent in their pursuit of a first major victory either.

El Clasico is one of football’s biggest rivalries, between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Over the years, they’ve played many exciting and emotional matches, full of great goals and big moments. With stars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Roberto Carlos, these games are always packed with talent and drama.

10. Real Madrid 5-0 FC Barcelona, 1995

The Real Madrid vs. Barcelona match on January 7, 1995, at the Santiago Bernabeu was unforgettable. Zamorano netted a hat-trick, leading Real Madrid to a commanding 5-0 victory in this LaLiga clash. It was one of the most one-sided El Clasico matches ever, with the home team fully dominating Barcelona.

The match gave Real Madrid an edge in the title race for La Liga.

9. Real Madrid 2-1 FC Barcelona, 2014

The Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Spain, hosted the 2014 Copa Del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona on April 16. The match seemed headed for extra time, but a brilliant 85th-minute goal from Gareth Bale secured the victory for Real Madrid. It marked their 19th Copa del Rey title.

8. FC Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid, 2010

After dominating El Clasico the previous season, Barcelona, led by coach Pep Guardiola, continued their strong form in 2009-10. Real Madrid had spent big to rebuild their "Galactico Era," bringing in stars like Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

But Madrid’s firepower wasn’t enough. Barcelona crushed them 5-0 at the Camp Nou, with David Villa scoring twice. Messi didn’t score but played a big role in most of the goals.

Read Also: Barcelona vs Real Madrid trophy battle: Which club has won more trophies

7. FC Barcelona 3-3 Real Madrid, 2007

This LaLiga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid took place at Camp Nou on March 10, 2007, and ended in an exciting 3-3 draw. Both teams played their hearts out, making it one of the greatest El Clasico matches in recent years.

Messi scored a hat-trick, while Van Nistelrooy scored twice and Ramos added one for Madrid. A fierce, high-scoring clash that highlighted both teams' firepower.

6. Real Madrid 4-2 FC Barcelona, 2005

The early 2000s saw Real Madrid stacked with stars like Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Beckham, and Ronaldo Nazario. Despite Barcelona boasting talents like Ronaldinho, Eto'o, and Xavi, Madrid outclassed them with a 4-2 win—Zidane and Ronaldo struck early, while Raul and Owen sealed it in the second half.

5. Real Madrid 3-1 FC Barcelona, 1960

Real Madrid’s clash with Barcelona in the 1960 European Cup Semifinal is seen as a key moment in El Clasico history. Madrid won 3-1 and reached the final. Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas found the net for Real Madrid, sealing their victory in the semifinal against Barcelona.

The match showed the strong rivalry and attacking power of both teams. It's still remembered today as one of the greatest El Clasico matches and a major turning point in their history.

4. FC Barcelona 4-0 Real Madrid, 2015

During the peak of the MSN era at Barcelona, the team looked unstoppable in Spain. But for the first El Clasico of the season, Messi was out with an injury. Surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t make much impact, while Luis Suárez and Neymar stepped up. They led Barcelona to a dominant 4-0 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Read Also: Youngest goalscorers in El Clasico: Lamine Yamal breaks 77-year-old record to become the youngest ever

3. Real Madrid 4-2 FC Barcelona, 1988

With both teams playing attacking football and creating plenty of chances, this was the greatest El Clasico match of the 1980s. Butragueno gave Real Madrid the lead, but Gary Lineker put Barcelona ahead. Goals from Schuster and Michel made it 3-1 for Madrid. Julio Salinas gave Barca hope, but a late goal from Hugo Sanchez sealed the win for Real Madrid.

2. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2011

One of the most intense and dramatic El Clasicos happened in 2011 during the Supercopa de Espana. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu, but the second leg had everything—goals, fouls, and lots of drama.

Iniesta put Barcelona ahead, Ronaldo equalised, and Messi sealed it with two goals, including a late 88th-minute winner. The match turned chaotic after a foul on Fabregas sparked a brawl, leading to four red cards and Mourinho infamously poking Vilanova in the eye.

1. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2017

Debatably the greatest El Clasico match of the modern era, took place in the 2016-17 LaLiga season. Real Madrid was leading the league and hoping to extend their lead, while Barcelona needed a win to stay in the title race.

What made this match unforgettable happened in the final moments. The ball was passed to Messi just outside the Real Madrid penalty area. Instead of taking a wild shot, Messi calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner, securing a crucial victory for Barcelona at their biggest rivals' home.

Laliga clubs regularly own some of the biggest names in the world of football. Many of their top stars have come from abroad, often moving from the Premier League to La Liga. However, some superstars were not so successful in Laliga after the transfers. 
Trent Alexander Arnold is more likely to be the next biggest football transfer from the Premier League to Laliga. 
Discover the 10 biggest football transfers from the Premier League to Laliga, featuring players like Eden Hazard, and Phillipe Coutinho and legends like Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo.

10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga:  

10. Conor Gallagher | Chelsea to Atletico Madrid | €35 million:

Conor Gallagher was one of the key players for Chelsea in his final season. He is a Chelsea academy player, despite being an academy graduate of Chelsea, the Blues sold him to the Laliga side Atletico Madrid for €35 million and became one of the players with the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga.

He has seemed a perfect fit for Diego Simeone’s managed side, though he has rotated with other midfielders. Gallagher scored an important Champions League goal against Real Madrid, during a round of 16 match in which Atletico was heartbreakingly beaten on penalties.

9. Ferran Torres | Manchester City to FC Barcelona | €46 million:

FC Barcelona paid €46 million to Ferran Torres from Manchester City in 2022. But he was never able to prove his worth in FC Barcelona, he was one of the failed yet one the biggest transfers from the Premier League to Laliga.

The winger had never scored more than 10 goals in a single campaign for the La Liga giants. Torres played 145 games at Barcelona and has started almost exactly half (73), which shows the coaches he has played under have been aware that he cannot impact games.

8. Raphinha | Leeds United to FC Barcelona | €50 million:

Raphinha was not a major signing for FC Barcelona, yet among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. In the first season, Raphinha scored 14 goals and contributed in 15 goals. However, in the 2024/25 season, Raphinha found his lost form under Hansi Flick as he scored 27 goals and delivered 20 assists. Now the Brazilian winger is one of the players who is getting Ballon d'Or shouts in 2025.

7. Diego Costa | Chelsea to Atletico Madrid | €57 million:

Costa played for Atletico Madrid on a few different occasions. He had already left once before coming back in 2010 by the time he moved to Chelsea in 2014, and four years later, he was back, with Atletico Madrid paying €57 million for him.

Diego Costa was one of the players also among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. In his final season before leaving for the Premier League, Costa scored 36 goals, and in three seasons at Stamford Bridge, he scored 59 goals and 21 assists. The Spanish forward 81 games in four seasons after his return but scored just 19 goals in that time.

6. Luis Suarez | Liverpool to FC Barcelona | €75 million:

Barcelona had seen enough from Suarez in just two and a half seasons at Liverpool to sign him for an initially reported fee of £75million. That he’d move onto bigger things was unsurprising after notching 31 goals and 13 assists in his final season in the Premier League.

Luis Suarez was one of the key players also among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. The Uruguayan forward scored 195 goals and assisted 113 in 283 games, in his second season at Barca, scoring a remarkable 40 La Liga goals, along with 18 assists. Across all competitions that season, Suarez scored 54 goals and assisted 24.

5. Julian Alvarez | Manchester City to Atletico Madrid | €80 million:

One of the most recent players to the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga, Julian Alvarez moved to Manchester City for Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window of the 2024 season. He already has 23 goals and five assists this season, including eight direct goal contributions in the Champions League. So far, the move looks a positive one for Alvarez.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United to Real Madrid | €80 million:

Cristiano Ronaldo was undoubtedly the best move from the Premier League to La Liga in history. He broke new ground with a transfer worth approximately £80million from Manchester United. The previous world-record transfer was Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid, which had stood for eight years.

Ronaldo was one of the most devastating forwards in the world for his entire spell at Real Madrid, scoring 450 goals and assisting 131 in 438 games. Ronaldo is the most successful and among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017 while he was a Real Madrid player.

3. Gareth Bale | Tottenham Hotspurs to Real Madrid | €85 million:

At the time of his transfer to Real Madrid for approximately £85million, Bale’s was a world-record move. Gareth Bale was among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga.  

Bale would win five Champions Leagues with Real, as well as three La Liga titles, among many other honors. Throughout seven seasons, he scored 106 goals and assisted 67 times.

2. Eden Hazard | Chelsea to Real Madrid | €130 million:

Eden Hazard was one of the failed transfers yet and second-placed in the list of the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. That he never played 20 La Liga games in a single season, showed how much Hazard struggled, and he retired at just 32 years of age, having played just 10 games in his final season. The Belgian failed to match that single-season total in 76 games across his entire Real Madrid career.

1. Phillipe Coutinho | Liverpool to FC Barcelona | €142 million:

The biggest football transfer from the Premier League to La Liga, Barcelona spent an astonishing £142million to sign the midfielder from Liverpool. At Liverpool, he had become an iconic figure, having a direct hand in 97 goals in 201 games.

 After 13 direct goal contributions in his first 18 La Liga games, Coutinho slowed with only seven contributions in the 32 games he played in the season. The Brazilian left for Aston Villa, after only 39 goal contributions in 106 games at Barcelona.

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Tottenham Hotspurs is famously known for its inconsistent performances and major trophy drought. Spurs won the League Cup back in 2008. After 2008's glory, Spurs have not won any major trophies, but several of their former players have found success elsewhere. 

Over 100 trophies have been won by former Tottenham Hotspurs players over the last 15 years, with players like Luka Modric and Gareth Bale responsible for over 40 of those. Here is the list of the former Tottenham Hotspurs players who have left Tottenham over the past decade and gone on to win silverware in one of Europe's top-flight leagues.

Tottenham Hotspur Players Who Won Trophies After Leaving

Luka Modric with Real Madrid 

Florentino Perez, the president of Real Madrid, roped in the Croatian maestro back in 2012.

• 6x UEFA Champions League Winner (2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2021-22, 2023-24)
• 5x FIFA Club World Cup Champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023)
• 4x La Liga Champion (2016-2017, 2019-20, 2021-22, 2023-24)
• 5x UEFA Super Cup (2014-15, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2022-23, 2024-25)
• 1x FIFA Intercontinental Cup Winner (2023-24)
• 2x Spanish Cup Winner (2013-14, 2022-23)
• 5x Spanish Super Cup Winner (2012-13, 2017-18, 2019-20, 2021-22, 2023-24)

Kyle Walker with Manchester City 

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's head coach, insisted the signing of the English full-back in 2017.

• 1x UEFA Champions League (2022-23),
• 1x FIFA Club World Cup (2024),
• 6x English Premier League Champion (2023-24, 2022-23, 2021-22, 2020-21, 2018-19, 2017-18),
• 1x UEFA Super Cup (2023-24), 
• 2x English FA Cup Winner (2023, 2019),
• 4x Carabao Cup Winner (2018,2019,2020,2021), 
• 2x Community Shield Winner (2018-19, 2019-20).

Gareth Bale with Real Madrid and Los Angeles FC

Gareth Bale left Tottanham and joined Real Madrid on September 1, 2013. After spending a long elusive career at Madrid, he returned to Tottenham on loan in Sptember 2020.

The Welsh stalwart came back to Madrid before permanently joining Los Angeles FC in July 2022.

• 5x UEFA Champions League Winner with Real Madrid (2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2021-22)
• 3x FIFA Club World Cup Winner with Real Madrid (2015, 2018, 2019)
• 3x La Liga Champion with Real Madrid (2016-17, 2019-20, 2021-22)
• 3x UEFA Super Cup Champion with Real Madrid (2014-15, 2016-17, 2017-18)
• 1x Spanish Super Cup Winner with Real Madrid (2013-14)
• 1x MLS Cup Champion with LAFC (2021-22)
• 1x Supporter's Shield Winner with LAFC (2021-22)

Emerson Royal with AC Milan (1 trophy)

AC Milan signed Emerson Royal on a €15m transfer on 12 August 2024.

• 1x Supercoppa Italiana (2024)

Lucas Moura with Sao Paulo

Lucas Moura was one of the most crucial player in Tottenham's iconic run in 2018-19 UEFA Champions League. Sao Paulo signed Moura on a free-transfer in August 2023.

• 1x Copa do Brasil (2023)
• Supercopa do Brasil (2024)

Roman Pavlyuchenko with Lokomotiv Moscow

The former Tottenham star left the North London side to join Lokomotiv Moscow in 2012.

• 1x Russian Cup (2015)

Steven Pienaar with Bidvest Wits FC

The now-retired South African star left the club in July 2012.

• 1x Soth African Cup (2018)

Rafael van der Vaart with FC Midtjylland

The former Dutch international left Tottenham in 2012.

• 1x Danish Superliga (2017-18)

Kieran Trippier with Atletico Madrid

The English international left Tottenham Hotspurs in July 2019.

• 1x La Liga (2020-21)

Fernando Llorente with Napoli

The Spanish World up winner joined Napoli in September 2019.

• 1x Coppa Italia (2019-20)

Victor Wanyama with CF Montreal

The former Kenyan international joined Montreal in March 2020.

• 1x Canadian Championship (2021)

Erik Lamela with Sevilla

The Argentine midfielder Tottenham Hotspurs in July 2021.

• 1x UEFA Europa League (2022-23)

Paulinho with Guangzhou Evergrande

The former Brazilian star left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2015.

• 3x Chinese Super League (2015, 2016, 2017, 2019)
• 1x AFC Champions League (2015)

Fedrico Fazio with Roma

The Argentine left Tottenham in 2017.

• 1x UEFA Conference League (2021-22)

Dimitar Berbatov with Manchester United

The former Bulgarian international and United legend left Tottenham in 2008.

• 2x Premier League Winner (2008-09, 2010-11)
• 1x FIFA Club World Cup (2009)
• 3x English League Cup Winner (2009, 2010)
• 2x Community Shield Winner (2010-11,2011-12)

Didier Zokora with Sevilla

The former Ivory Coast Defensive Midfielder left Tottenham in 2009.

• 1x Spanish Cup Winner (2009-10)

Christian Eriksen with Inter Milan 

• The Danish Midfielder left Tottenham in 2020
• 1x Italian Champion (2020-21)

Robbie Keane with the Los Angeles Galaxy

The Irish legend left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2011.

• 3x MLS Cup Champion (2010-11, 2011-12, 2013-14)
• 1x MLS Supporters' Shield Winner (2010-11)

Adel Taarabt with Queens Park Rangers

The Moroccan midfielder left Tottenham to join Queens Park Rangers on loan in 2009.

• 1x English 2nd tier Champion (2010-11)

Paul-Jose Mpoku with Standard Liege

Mpoku left Tottenham Hotspur in 2011.

• 1x Belgium Cup Winner (2018)

Vedran Corluka with Lokomotiv Moscow

The former Croatian Center back left Tottenham Hotspur in 2012.

• 4x Russian Cup Winner (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021)
• 1x Russian Champion (2018)
• 1x Russian Super Cup Winner (2019-20)

Clint Dempsey with Seattle Sounders FC

The USMNT legend left Tottenham Hotspur in 2013.

• 1x MLS Cup Winner (2015-16)
• 1x US Open Cup winner (2013-14)
• 1x MLS Supporters' Shield Winners (2013-14)

Benjamin Stambouli with Paris Saint-Germain

Benjamin Stambouli left Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 to join Paris Saint-Germain.

• 1x Ligue 1 (2015-16)
• 1x French Cup (2015-16)
• 1x French League Cup (2015-16)
• 2x French Super Cup (2015-16, 2016-17)

Vincent Janssen with CF Monterrey

Vincent left the Spurs in 2019.

• 1x CONCACAF Champions League Winners (2020-21)
• 1x Mexican League (2019-20)
• 1x Mexican Cup Winner (2019-20)

Georges-Kevin N'Koudou with Besiktas

He left Tottenham Hotspur in 2023.

• 1x Turkish Super Lig (2021-22)
• 1x Turkish Super Cup (2020-21)

Juan Foyth with Villarreal CF

The Argentine World Cup winner left Tottenham in 2021.

• 1x UEFA Europa League Winner (2020-21)

Carlos Vinicius with PSV Eindhoven, Galatasaray

The Brazilian left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2021.

• 1x KNVB Cup (2021-22)
• 1x Dutch Super Cup (2023)
• 1x Turkish Champions (2023-24)
• 1x Turkish Super Cup (2023-24)

Cameron Carter-Vickers with Celtic FC

The USA international left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2022.

• 2x Scottish Cup Winner (2022-23, 2023-24)
• 2x Scottish League Cup Winner (2022-23, 2024-25)

Joe Hart with Celtic FC

The legendary England goalkeeper left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2021.

• 2x Scottish Premiership Winner (2021-22, 2022-23)
• 2x Scottish League Cup (2021-22, 2022-23)

Toby Alderweireld with Al-Duhail and Royal Antwerp

The Belgian Mid-field maestro left Tottenham Hotspur to join Al-Duhail in 2021.

• 1x Qatari Cup with Al-Duhail (2021-22)
• 1x Belgian League (2022-23)
• 1x Belgian Cup winner (2023)

Davinson Sanchez with Galatasaray

Sanchez left Tottenham Hotspurs in 2023.

• 1x Turkish Super Cup (2023-24)

In his first full season in the MLS, Argentine forward Lionel Messi claimed the prestigious MVP award, which is given to the best-performing player in the League for that season.

Despite missing 15 matches due to injuries and international commitments, Messi led MLS in goal contributions with 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 appearances. He became the third player in the league's history to record at least 20 goals and 15 assists in a single season, following Carlos Vela (2019) and Sebastian Giovinco (2015). This achievement also marks the first time an Inter Miami player has won the award.

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Lionel Messi Secures Prestigious Honor for the First Time in His Career

Our MVP by our @InterMiamiAcad 💫 This is the #FreedomToDream pic.twitter.com/EpGWNVfeKj

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 6, 2024

Inter Miami had a dominant MLS regular season, setting a record with 74 points, but was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Atlanta United. Messi joined the team in June 2023 after departing Paris Saint-Germain.

Read Also | FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Draw: Groups, Format, and Schedule

Messi secured 38.4% of the average vote, edging out Hernandez, who received 33.7%. The top five was completed by Portland Timbers midfielder Evander (9.2%), DC United's Christian Benteke (7.1%), and Messi's Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez (2.2%).

Read Also| Saudi Arabia in talks to participate in the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025

How the MVP Voting Looked Like?

1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) --> 38.4%
2. Cucho Hernandez (Columbus Crew) --> 33.7%
3. Evander (Portland Timbers) --> 9.24%
4. Christian Benteke (DC United) --> 7.10%
5. Luis Suarez (Inter Miami) --> 2.17%

Messi, Busquets, and Alba led Inter Miami to victory in the Leagues Cup, a competition featuring MLS teams against Mexico's Liga MX, earning the club its first-ever trophy.

Read Also | AC Milan unveil stunning special 125th anniversary kit

In the 2024 season, Inter Miami excelled during the regular season, claiming the Supporters' Shield as the team with the highest points across both conferences. All these achievements helped propel Messi to win this award.

Lionel Messi will have a new coach at his club from next season onwards; as Inter Miami boss Gerardo 'Tata' Martino has left his position as the head coach on 20 November 2024. Martino has resigned due to some personal reasons. 

Martino leaves after winning the MLS Supporters' Shield with a record 74 points tally and crashing out of the MLS Cup play-offs in November 2024. the 62-year-old Argentinian coach also won the Leagues Cup with Miami last year.

🚨 Tata Martino’s Record as Inter Miami Coach:

🏟️ Games: 67
✅ Wins: 38
❌ Losses: 16
🤝 Draws: 13
📊 Points per game: 1.90

🏆 Leagues Cup Champion
🛡️ Supporter’s Shield Winner
📈 MLS All-Time Points Record pic.twitter.com/e2RLBXwUuC

— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) November 19, 2024

However, the Major League Soccer outfit will be looking for a new coach as Martino's heir at Miami. Inter Miami has entered the expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and the star-studded group will need a high-profile coach to get them to the furthest in the competition. 

Read Also | Teams qualified for FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Messi's Inter Miami enters the tournament

Some great profiles have already emerged as potential candidates to be the next coach of Inter Miami. Sportzpoint explores the options that can be suitable for The Herons. 

Xavi

According to the Miami Herald, former Spain and Barcelona midfielder Xavi has emerged as an option to be the head coach of Inter Miami.

Xavi Hernandez has emerged as the top candidate to replace Tata Martino as Inter Miami’s head coach, according to reports! 🔥🦩

𝑨 𝑹𝑬𝑼𝑵𝑰𝑶𝑵 𝑾𝑰𝑻𝑯 𝑴𝑬𝑺𝑺𝑰 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑪𝑶.? ✨#LionelMessi #Xavi #InterMiami pic.twitter.com/l9WGOoLImw

— Sportskeeda Football (@skworldfootball) November 20, 2024

The former teammate of Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona can be reunited in Miami as his name has started to surface as one of the top candidates to take up the Miami job. Xavi's former teammates such as Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba are all part of the Miami squad, and that is why Xavi has emerged as the most reasonable option for The Herons. 

Xavi has not taken any other managerial job since he left his position as head coach at FC Barcelona in June 2024. He has won the LaLiga title and Supercopa de Espana in the 2022-23 season with Barca and also won seven trophies during his first tenure as a head coach for Qatar's Al-Sadd club.

Javier Mascherano

According to the Miami Herald, former Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano has emerged as another top choice for the MLS outfit.

🚨 Xavi and Javier Mascherano have emerged as options for head coach at Inter Miami! 👔🇺🇸

Both are former teammates of Leo Messi. 👀

(Source: @MiamiHerald) pic.twitter.com/7ofnJsZ0K9

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) November 20, 2024

Javier Mascherano has emerged as another top choice to sit at the Inter Miami dugout. The former Argentine midfielder who also played with Messi, Busquets, Alba, and Suarez at FC Barcelona was also a close teammate of Lionel Messi in the Argentina national team during his time.

However, Mascherano is currently the manager of the Argentina U-20 and U-23 team. It can be a risky choice considering he has no managerial experience in club football so far and AFA may not permit his departure leaving the national age-group teams. Mascherano's name has emerged but it is highly unlikely considering the scenario and all the possibilities. 

Zinedine Zidane 

Zinedine Zidane has close ties with his former Real Madrid teammate David Beckham, who is the co-owner of Inter Miami as well. Daily Mirror reported back in 2018 that Beckham had held preliminary talks with the French legend to manage the newly established Inter Miami, 

We have seen Messi, Beckham, and Zidane spending time together, so the 3-time UCL winning coach can be a very realistic option to be Miami's next coach. It was also reported in 2021 that Zidane's son, Enzo Zidane was on trial with Inter Miami. 

💥Cette photo légendaire de : Messi. Beckham. Zidane. 🇦🇷 🇬🇧 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/gMk82G4RkU

— INTER MIAMI FR (@IntermiamiFR_) February 24, 2024

Zidane has been a free agent since he decided to leave Real Madrid in 2021 after his second stint at the Spanish club. He has previously been linked with the France national football team's head coach job but no progress was made there. 

However, Zidane has managed the 3-times Champions League-winning Real Madrid squad filled with great figures and talents; which proves his immense man-management quality. It will be interesting to see if Zidane comes together with Messi and Beckham again, and this time to produce something great at Miami. 

Jim Curtin 

Jim Curtin may seem like an odd name in the list of some familiar stars of the game but the 45-year-old manager has proved himself as one of the best coaches in MLS' history. 

It was a heavily unexpected move by MLS side Philadelphia Union to part ways with Jim Curtin who was their head coach for 10 long years as he left his position on 7 November 2024. Curtin stayed on the Philadelphia Union's touchline for 11 seasons and won them the MLS Supporters' Shield in the 2019-20 season. 

Ya know who's cool?
This guy.

Just droppin' some Jim Curtin Appreciation on your timeline 🐍 #DOOP pic.twitter.com/1BJS44J1W5

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) July 31, 2020

Union has been one of the lowest-spending teams in the MLS but Curtin still managed to have a 42% winning rate after 420 games in charge over 10 years. He was potentially named as the USMNT assistant coach previously in 2023 but now he can be a very realistic option for the Miami job.