Inter Miami vs New York City: Match History, Ownership & Where to Watch

Few MLS rivalries pack as many storylines as Inter Miami vs New York City FC. David Beckham’s ownership gamble, Lionel Messi’s blockbuster arrival, and a pair of playoff classics have turned these two clubs into must-watch TV. This guide digs into their head-to-head record, answers the biggest fan questions—from Beckham’s role to city comparisons—and tells you where to catch the next match.

Last meeting result: Inter Miami 3-2 NYCFC (March 22, 2026) ·
2026 MLS league position (Inter Miami): 2nd ·
2026 MLS league position (NYCFC): 8th ·
Inter Miami recent key win: 5-1 over NYCFC in MLS Cup semifinal ·
Inter Miami status: Reigning MLS Cup champions

Five key data points, one takeaway: Inter Miami’s recent superiority—both in the regular season and playoffs—contrasts sharply with NYCFC’s earlier dominance in all-time wins.

Is David Beckham still owner of Inter Miami?

Yes, David Beckham remains a co-owner of Inter Miami CF. He exercised his ownership option in 2018, and today the club is jointly owned by Beckham and the Mas brothers, Jorge and José Mas (Wikipedia (crowd-sourced encyclopedia)).

Who co-owns Inter Miami with Beckham?

Jorge Mas and José Mas hold the majority stake. Beckham’s role is part-owner and president of football operations, though day-to-day management is handled by the front office.

When did Beckham become part-owner?

Beckham’s ownership began in 2018 when he exercised the option written into his original MLS contract, which allowed him to purchase an expansion team at a discounted rate.

What is Beckham’s role in the club today?

He remains involved in major decisions, including player acquisitions and branding. His presence has been central to attracting Lionel Messi.

Has Inter Miami ever won MLS?

Yes. Inter Miami captured their first MLS Cup in 2025, beating the Los Angeles Galaxy in the final. They are the reigning MLS Cup champions (MLSsoccer.com (official league source)).

When did Inter Miami win their first MLS Cup?

The 2025 MLS Cup marked the club’s first title in the league. The win capped a dominant playoff run that included a 5-1 semifinal victory over NYCFC (NYCFC.com (club official site)).

How many MLS Cups has Inter Miami won?

Inter Miami has won one MLS Cup (2025). They also won the Leagues Cup in 2024 (MLSsoccer.com (official league source)).

What other trophies has Inter Miami won?

Besides the MLS Cup, the club lifted the Leagues Cup in 2024, defeating Nashville SC in the final. They have not yet won the U.S. Open Cup or Supporters’ Shield.

Which is better, New York or Miami?

The “better” city depends on what you value, but the two metros offer profoundly different lifestyles. A quick comparison:

New York wins on cultural institutions and walkability, while Miami offers year-round warmth and outdoor living. Both cities have passionate sports fan bases.

Why did Messi go to Miami?

Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023, choosing South Florida over a return to Barcelona or a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia (MLSsoccer.com (official league source)).

When did Lionel Messi join Inter Miami?

Messi officially signed on July 15, 2023, and made his debut on July 21 as a substitute against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.

What contract did Messi sign?

His contract includes salary, a cut of Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass subscriber revenue, and an ownership stake option for a future MLS club, reportedly a package worth $50–60 million per year.

How has Messi performed for Inter Miami?

Messi has been transformative: he led the club to the Leagues Cup title in 2024 (scoring 10 goals in the tournament) and the MLS Cup in 2025, where he was named MLS Cup MVP.

Where to watch Inter Miami vs New York City FC?

The match is primarily available through MLS’s global broadcast deal with Apple TV. Here are the main options:

• Apple TV MLS Season Pass – Every MLS match live and on-demand worldwide (MLSsoccer.com (official league source)).
• Local broadcasters – Select matches may air on regional sports networks (e.g., MSG for NYCFC, CBS Miami for Inter Miami).
• Free streaming – Flashscore and Sofascore offer live text updates and statistics.

The March 22, 2026 match took place at Yankee Stadium, NYCFC’s home ground (FotMob (live scores and stats platform)).

Head-to-Head: Inter Miami vs New York City FC

Three core contrasts define this rivalry—founded years, trophies, and momentum:

The imbalance in all-time wins—NYCFC leads 8-4 per third-party aggregators—masks a recent flip: Inter Miami has won the last two meetings (including a 5-1 playoff demolition) (SoccerPunter (h2h stats database)).

“Inter Miami are the reigning MLS Cup champions.”

MLSsoccer.com (official league source)

“NYCFC suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat, with the visitors taking an early lead.”

NYCFC.com (club official site)

“New York City FC’s season ended with a 5-1 loss to Inter Miami in the MLS Cup playoffs.”

NYCFC.com (club official site)

For NYCFC, the path back to relevance runs through Miami. The 2026 regular-season loss at Yankee Stadium and the playoff thrashing show a gap that coaching and recruitment must close. For Inter Miami, the challenge is sustaining dominance as Messi ages and salary cap constraints grow. The next chapter of this rivalry—likely with both teams fighting for playoff positioning—will tell us who adapts faster. For fans in New York, the choice is clear: invest in a rebuild, or watch Miami become the dynasty of the decade.

Related reading: **Brentford vs Man City: Record, Predictions & Highlights**

Die-hard fans looking for a detailed breakdown of the action can read the full match recap of Inter Miami vs New York City for a closer look at the key moments.

Frequently asked questions