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Club World Cup team guide – Inter Miami: Messi’s star power, slow start for Mascherano

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Club World Cup team guide – Inter Miami: Messi’s star power, slow start for Mascherano


The inaugural Club World Cup starts on June 14, with its 32 teams split into eight groups of four in the opening phase.

As part of our guides to the sides that will feature in the tournament, Felipe Cardenas gives you the background on Inter Miami.


Who are they?

This is year five of Inter Miami’s existence as a professional football club. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based team has been both the laughing stock of MLS and the premier club of North America’s top flight. It has been a topsy-turvy start for David Beckham’s pet project. 

Inter Miami enters the Club World Cup with battered hopes and a bruised ego following a difficult start to the 2025 MLS season. Captain and global football icon Lionel Messi will lead an underperforming squad into the tournament that hopes to advance out of Group A, which includes Porto from Portugal, Brazil’s Palmeiras and Egyptian side Al Ahly.

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A place in this first playing of the expanded Club World Cup is a dream come true for Miami’s owners, but will the tournament fulfil their wishes or turn into a nightmare experience? 


How good are they? 

Since Messi’s arrival in July 2023, Miami has tasted some competitive success while becoming a commercial behemoth in the U.S. The 2022 World Cup winner’s presence has helped Miami become one of the most valuable clubs in MLS, currently valued at $1.19billion (£878m), according to a May report by Sportico. Messi’s first full year saw Miami win the MLS Supporters’ Shield, the trophy that goes to the team which earns the most points in the regular season. 


Messi’s side has had a tough start to the season (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

In that 2024 season, under former manager Tata Martino, Miami also set a new league record for points earned (74) in a campaign that crowned Messi as the league MVP. The year ended on a sour note, however, when they were eliminated by Atlanta United in the first round of the MLS title playoffs. Martino abruptly resigned due to personal reasons and Miami hired Messi’s long-time friend and former Barcelona and Argentina team-mate Javier Mascherano as head coach. 

After a hot start to 2025, Mascherano’s side has struggled to play consistently well, and aside from an over-reliance on Messi, who turns 38 this month, the team is devoid of a tactical identity. 


How did they get here?

Funny you should ask.

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FIFA’s convoluted qualification criteria handed Miami a ticket to the big dance. Miami didn’t win the MLS Cup final to be crowned its champions, and hasn’t come close to winning the Concacaf Champions Cup, either. But FIFA has always reserved one host slot for the Club World Cup, even before the competition was expanded to 32 teams from seven and moved from being an annual event to one staged every four years.

When Miami won that Supporters’ Shield at the close of last year’s regular season, FIFA president Gianni Infantino had the loophole he needed to invite Messi and company to this summer’s competition in the United States. 

“Miami loves football. The world loves football, and the world loves Miami,” Infantino said from Miami’s home pitch last October. “You’re the best team of the season in America,” Infantino added. “You can start telling your story to the world.” 

Miami will also open the tournament, against Al Ahly at 65,000-capacity Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens next Saturday night. If Infantino was dead-set on having Messi in this first edition of the new-look Club World Cup, he succeeded. How Miami fares in it is another story.

The side is short on depth and the ageing legs of Messi and his former Barcelona team-mates Luis Suarez (38), Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba (both 36) won’t be enough to make a deep run, even if Miami advances from the group stage. 

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What’s their style of play?

Give the ball to Messi and hope he creates a moment of magic.

That sounds cynical, but unsurprisingly, everything goes through the Argentine No 10. And one can’t blame his team-mates, if we’re being honest. Messi remains highly effective around the penalty area and decisive when it matters most. He finished the 2024 MLS season with 21 goals and 17 assists (including the playoffs), but ran out of gas against Atlanta in the post-season. 

Miami wants to press high and force opponents to play narrowly. When it comes together, Miami can be formidable in transition. The problem is with the back line and overall defensive structure. Miami leaks goals and tends to play so open that a spell of good play is consistently undone by poor defending.

It wouldn’t be a shock to see Mascherano dial back the high press and play a more pragmatic style in this competition.


Tell us about the coach

Mascherano is in his first job as a professional head coach.

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Before succeeding Martino in November, he had managed Argentina’s under-20 and under-23 men’s squads, and also coached Argentina’s team at the 2024 Olympics, losing to hosts France in the quarterfinals. That was considered a massive disappointment, which led to widespread criticism of Mascherano’s acumen as a manager. 


Inter Miami’s managing owner Jorge Mas and Mascherano at his unveiling (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Having played under both at Barcelona, Mascherano has spoken publicly about his appreciation of Pep Guardiola’s tactics and how Luis Enrique influenced him as both a player and a coach. Still, there is little evidence to suggest Mascherano’s philosophy will resemble that of an elite coach. His close relationship with Messi, Suarez, Busquets and Alba suggests he was given the job for reasons other than his resumé.

“People can have their opinion, and those opinions are valid, clearly,” he said in December. “But I’m convinced that I’m qualified to coach this team. I’m very excited to do so. Experience in football doesn’t always make sense.”


Who is their star player?

Less than three weeks from turning 38 years old, Messi doesn’t have the same burst off the dribble that saw him embarrass defenders throughout the pitch when he played for Barcelona. These days, he tends to position himself as close to the goal as possible, where he can create and finish plays without expending too much energy. 

But late-stage Messi is still a joy to watch, even if purists may want to hold onto memories of his dominant 20-year run as the world’s best player rather than see him carrying an MLS team. He still walks about the pitch and sometimes stands motionless as the game goes on around him. Today, Messi picks his moments more cautiously than ever. 

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“Leo has turned into a complete player who plays all over the field,” Mascherano told The Athletic last year. “When you have a player like that, the most important thing is to give him the freedom to move where he believes the team needs him and for his team-mates to understand his movements.”

Messi has grown increasingly frustrated with Miami’s up-and-down form, though. Many of his young team-mates struggle to match his advanced football IQ, which has irritated this winner of 10 La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, two Copas America and the most recent World Cup three years ago — more so when the team loses games. His patience is thinner, as well, with MLS referees taking the brunt of Messi’s anger.

This Club World Cup could be a breaking point.


And their rising star?

Venezuela international Telasco Segovia is Miami’s young player to watch. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is a goal threat with a high ceiling. Segovia was signed this winter after spending two seasons in Portugal with Casa Pia. He has quickly become one of Miami’s key players and an on-field ally of Messi and striker Suarez. 


Telasco Segovia is one to watch at Inter Miami (Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)

Segovia is a versatile player, which allows him to roam the midfield and attacking areas and contribute both in possession and in transition. He tends to make the right decisions around the opponent’s penalty area and is not shy about taking his chances. There’s a maturity to him that stands out.

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On a team of veteran superstars who have won nearly everything in football, Segovia’s self-confidence and clean technical play have been a boon for Miami. 

He’s a regular for Venezuela’s national team, but if he performs at a high level at the Club World Cup, the competition could be the showcase Segovia needs to reach his full potential.


Who are their biggest rivals?

In-state rivals Orlando City can be considered Miami’s rivals, but the truth is, every team Messi and company face plays with a knife between its teeth. Miami has become both a media darling and a hated club by rival MLS supporters. 

That’s a sign that things are going as planned in South Florida, though. With Messi and his mates, Miami has sold out huge NFL stadiums and other neutral venues. Messi fans have run onto the pitch to take a selfie with him. On the road, opposing teams’ supporters have congregated outside Miami’s team hotel, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Argentine superstar. 

All of that attention has turned Miami into an MLS villain, a nemesis that fans outside of Fort Lauderdale enjoy watching suffer. I don’t think Miami would have it any other way. “A lot of people are jealous of Inter Miami,” club managing owner Jorge Mas told FDP Radio in April.

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Enough said.


Why should a neutral root for them?

Miami has plenty of detractors, but Messi boasts legions of fans worldwide. The team’s pink kit is seen across the globe these days, and Messi, even in the twilight of his career, still conjures emotions and fanfare usually reserved for a mega pop star.

Miami won’t be a favorite at this tournament. We’ve established that. But the presence of Messi will bring eyeballs to FIFA’s new baby. Neutrals will tune in to see if he still has any magic left in him. Romantics will watch in the hope he’ll turn back the clock to November and December of 2022, when he finally led Argentina to World Cup glory.

And that’s precisely what Infantino had in mind when he gave them that hosts’ spot.

(Top photos: Getty Images; design: Kelsea Petersen)

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North Miami Beach 6-year-old who was allegedly severely abused dies: Family

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North Miami Beach 6-year-old who was allegedly severely abused dies: Family


A 6-year-old boy with autism who police said was severely abused by his mother’s boyfriend in North Miami Beach has died after spending weeks in the hospital, family members said.

The boy, Mason, had been hospitalized in critical condition last month, but his grandmother told NBC6 on Friday that he’d been taken off a ventilator and passed away.

Police had responded to a home in the 1400 block of Northeast 179th Street for a report of a child in cardiac arrest.

In body camera footage released by police, Mason was seen wrapped in a blanket and had no detectable pulse.

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North Miami Beach Police, Family Photo

North Miami Beach Police, Family Photo

Mason

Mason was given CPR until Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews arrived and regained a pulse, and he was taken to Jackson North Hospital in critical condition.

Doctors reported internal bleeding in the brain, lacerations to the liver and kidney, a broken arm, and bruises covering his entire body.

His mother’s boyfriend, 34-year-old Daniel Eduardo Romero, was accused of severely abusing the boy, and was later arrested on charges including aggravated child abuse causing great bodily harm involving torture, child neglect causing great bodily harm, and tampering with a victim.

According to an arrest report, Romero gave conflicting stories about how Mason was injured, first claiming he was teaching the boy how to ride a bicycle when he fell, then changing his story and claiming they were using a wagon.

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Romero said the boy didn’t appear to be seriously injured and medical care was not sought but he woke up lethargic the next day and progressively weakened and when he became unresponsive they called 911, the report said.

Daniel Eduardo Romero

Miami-Dade Corrections

Miami-Dade Corrections

Daniel Eduardo Romero

The boy’s mother, 32-year-old Cynthia Hernandez, was later arrested on charges including child neglect, failure to report child neglect and providing a false statement to law enforcement, officials said.

Police had previously said Hernandez was cooperating with the investigation and told officers Romero would become frustrated with Mason because of his neurodevelopmental condition. Records also show Romero has two prior convictions for domestic violence.

In the arrest report, Hernandez told detectives that Romero had a short temper and anger problems.

Hernandez’s attorney criticized her arrest, saying she was also a victim of domestic violence at the hands of Romero.

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Her mother also said Hernandez was a domestic violence victim.

Romero pleaded not guilty and is being held without bond while he awaits trial. It’s unknown whether he’ll face new charges following Mason’s death.



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The Prime Cleaner Opens New South Miami Location, Expanding Premium Cleaning Services Across Miami-Dade County

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The Prime Cleaner Opens New South Miami Location, Expanding Premium Cleaning Services Across Miami-Dade County


Miami’s most trusted family-owned cleaning service opens a new South Miami location at 2000 S. Dixie Hwy. Serving Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, and surrounding areas.

MIAMI, FL – The Prime Cleaner, one of Miami’s fastest-growing residential cleaning services, officially announces the opening of its new South Miami office located at 2000 South Dixie Highway, Suite 100B-A, Miami, FL 33133. The expansion marks a major milestone for the family-owned business, which has completed over 9,000 cleanings and earned 500+ five-star reviews since its founding in 2021.

The new South Miami location positions The Prime Cleaner to deliver faster response times and same-day availability to homeowners and property managers across South Miami, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, Key Biscayne, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Miami Beach, Edgewater, Midtown Miami, the Miami Design District, and Aventura.

A Family Business Built on Trust

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Founded by Jay and his mother Ana, The Prime Cleaner was built on a straightforward belief — that every Miami homeowner deserves a cleaning team they can genuinely trust. From day one, the business has operated with background-checked professionals, non-toxic products safe for families and pets, and a consistent crew model that ensures clients see familiar faces on every visit.

“Opening our South Miami office is something we’ve been working toward for a long time. South Miami and the surrounding neighborhoods have been part of our story since the beginning. Having a physical presence here lets us serve our clients faster, respond same-day, and continue building the kind of relationships this community deserves.”— Jay McGough, Co-Founder, The Prime Cleaner

Comprehensive Cleaning Services for Miami’s Finest Homes

From the South Miami office, The Prime Cleaner offers its full suite of professional cleaning services:

  • Deep Cleaning — Top-to-bottom resets for homes that need a thorough refresh
  • Standard Recurring Cleaning — Weekly, biweekly, and monthly housekeeping plans
  • Move In / Move Out Cleaning — Built to landlord and property standards
  • Post-Construction Cleaning — Dust, debris, and construction residue removal
  • Event Cleaning — Pre and post-event cleanup for homes and venues
  • Exterior Window Cleaning — Streak-free results for interior and exterior glass
  • Tile & Grout Restoration — Deep cleaning that restores original color and shine
  • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning — Stain removal and odor elimination safe for pets and kids
  • Post-Fumigation Cleaning — Full sanitization after pest control treatments
  • Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Cleaning — Turnover cleaning to maintain five-star ratings

Every service is backed by The Prime Cleaner’s 100% satisfaction guarantee — if a client isn’t satisfied, the team returns and corrects it at no additional charge.

Rapid Growth Driven by Five-Star Service

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Since launching in 2021, The Prime Cleaner has become one of Miami’s most reviewed and most trusted residential cleaning services. With over 9,000 cleanings completed and more than 500 five-star Google reviews, the company continues to grow month over month — driven entirely by client referrals, repeat bookings, and a reputation built one home at a time.

The South Miami expansion is part of a broader growth strategy that includes new neighborhood service pages, an expanded team of background-checked cleaning professionals, and an ongoing commitment to raising the standard of residential cleaning across Miami-Dade County.

About The Prime Cleaner

The Prime Cleaner is a family-owned residential cleaning service based in Miami, Florida. Founded in 2021 by Jayger and Ana, the company specializes in deep cleaning, recurring housekeeping, move in/out cleaning, post-construction cleanup, and specialty cleaning services across Miami-Dade County. Licensed, insured, and BBB accredited, The Prime Cleaner serves homeowners, landlords, Airbnb hosts, and property managers across South Miami, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, Key Biscayne, Kendall, Miami Beach, Edgewater, Midtown Miami, the Miami Design District, Aventura, and surrounding neighborhoods.

New South Miami Office

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2000 South Dixie Highway, Suite 100B-A | Miami, FL 33133 | (786) 420-4273 | www.theprimecleaner.com/location/south-miami

Media Contact
Company Name: The Prime Cleaner
Contact Person: Jay Tomasino
Email: Send Email
Phone: (305) 575 – 2776
Address:2701 Biscayne Blvd
City: Miami
State: FL
Country: United States
Website: www.theprimecleaner.com

 

Press Release Distributed by ABNewswire.com

To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: The Prime Cleaner Opens New South Miami Location, Expanding Premium Cleaning Services Across Miami-Dade County

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Inside Miami’s billionaire bunker, a manmade island for the .01% where billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg shell out for total privacy | Fortune

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Inside Miami’s billionaire bunker, a manmade island for the .01% where billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg shell out for total privacy | Fortune


In a city known for flash and nine-figure price tags, Miami’s most coveted waterfront neighborhood features addresses that start at $60 million—and a near guarantee that you’ll never be able to visit. 

Indian Creek Island, also known as Billionaire Bunker, is a 300-acre, manmade strip of land in Biscayne Bay just north of Miami Beach that has attracted the ultra-rich in droves. Its monied residents include NFL quarterback Tom Brady, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and President Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump.

The main island contains a mere 40 lots of purely waterfront property, adding another layer of exclusivity on top of the inflated cost to entry. The island’s interior is dominated by the Indian Creek Country Club and its private 18-hole golf course. Those looking to rub shoulders on the links will have to reportedly pay a $500,000 initiation fee and go through a lengthy admissions process.

Though properties could be had for less, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg became the latest billionaire to reportedly snatch up a newly completed mansion at an estimated price tag of between $150 million and $200 million earlier this month. And of the ultra-wealthy who can afford to shell out millions for a home, many often tear down the existing structure to build a new one, said Michael Martirena, cofounder of the Ivan and Mike Team at real estate brokerage Compass.

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The Price of Exclusivity

With only 84 residents as of 2020, Indian Creek Island is one of the most exclusive enclaves in America, and a big reason why is the privacy and security that it affords its ultra-wealthy residents.

Indian Creek is an independent municipality with its own government and a police force that patrols the island 24/7 not only by land but also by sea. A single guarded bridge connects it to the mainland, and any visitors must show their ID and may even undergo vehicle inspection, said Martirena, who has toured properties there with clients.

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“It’s a bubble, and no one can get on and off, unless you have a reason,” said Martirena, who specializes in ultra-luxury real estate

Unlike nearby South Beach celebrity enclaves such as Palm, Star, and Hibiscus Islands—where boat tours regularly pass by waterfront mansions—Indian Creek’s marine patrols keep onlookers away, Martirena told Fortune.

Because of the island’s location and strategic landscaping, very few homes in the surrounding areas, like the Bay Harbor Islands or Surfside, have a clear view of Indian Creek Island. This makes it very private, said Martirena, and very desirable. 

“It’s the place to be,” said Martirena. “People of that caliber feel safe and not bothered.”

And yet, wealth alone doesn’t guarantee access. All the listings are done “off market,” said Martirena, meaning a buyer’s agent will have to deal directly with a property owner’s representatives, and contact them multiple times if they are not quite ready to sell.

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“It’s a small community, and just to keep the chatter at a low level, they do it all internally and very private,” he said.

In an already exclusive community, the western side offers an even more seclusive experience because the lots border the intracoastal waterway separating the island from the mainland, Mick Duchon, a Miami Beach–based real estate agent with the Corcoran Group, previously told Fortune. On this side of the island, home to two of the five richest people in the world, Zuckerberg and Bezos, the lots measure about 80,000 square feet, compared to 50,000 square feet which is the norm on the island, Duchon said.

Since announcing his move from Seattle to Florida in 2023, Bezos snapped up three properties on the island for more than $230 million combined. He’s turning two western lots into a compound while he lives in a Mediterranean-style house on the third lot on the other side of the island.

The billionaire migration to Indian Creek reflects a broader influx in South Florida luxury real estate, which Martirena described as “COVID 2.0.” Thanks in part to Florida’s lack of a state income tax, interest from high end buyers is exploding even as activity at the lower end of the housing market slows. 

Another factor is the proposed 5% billionaire wealth tax, which is gathering steam in California. Google co-founder Larry Page has reportedly begun shifting assets, including his family office, out of California. The billionaire recently paid $173 million for two waterfront mansions in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood. 

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Martirena said his own business has picked up over the last couple of weeks, with three recent inquiries that he attributed directly to the potential wealth tax.

“They’re kind of pre-planning ahead of time. They don’t want to move here,” he said. “They want to stay in the state of California, because they love where they’re at, and they never thought of moving. But they work very hard for their money, and they said they like their pocketbook much more.”



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