Leagues Cup 2023 was an unforgettable tournament for Inter Miami CF as the club earned its first-ever trophy since its entry into Major League Soccer in 2020.
With legends on the roster like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba; paired with solid players like Josef Martinez, Drake Callender, and Dixon Arooyo, and led by head coach Gerado “Tata” Martino, the Herons could be on the start of something special after winning this first trophy.
The win wasn’t just a first for the club. Thirteen players on the roster had also never won a title with a first-division professional team. Here’s who they are.
Robert Taylor
The 28-year-old Finn was the most-veteran player without a title. He became a key piece for Inter Miami during the tournament but had never won a title prior. He appeared in all seven matches for the Herons and scored four goals while tallying three assists.
Leonardo Campana
The 23-year old Ecuadorian had won a South American U-20 title for his country, but hadn’t won a title at a higher level since. He appeared in ever match of the tournament, but only started in the opener against Cruz Azul. He notched on assist during Leagues Cup 2023.
Robbie Robinson
The 24-year old American with Chilean roots was also champion for the first time. He started in the first match against Cruz Azul, where he tallied an assist. He only appeared in two other matches as a substitute.
Christopher McVey
The defender arrived in 2022 from Swedish side Elfsborg and without a championship to his credit. At the age of 26, he finally lifted a trophy for the first time. He appeared three times in Leagues Cup play, all as a substitute.
Tata Martino’s youth players
The Argentine coach took advantage of the competition to give several youth players time on the pitch and earn their first titles.
Benjamín Cremaschi (18 years old) was the most prominent, appearing in every match, scoring a goal, notching an assist and even converting a game-clinching penalty kick
David Ruiz, a 19-year-old Honduran, appeared in all but one match during the Leagues Cup 2023 run. He scored a goal in the semifinal against the Philadelphia Union.
Noeh Allen, also 19, started the game against Atlanta United and appeared as a sub in every other match except the round of 16 against FC Dallas and in the final against Nashville SC.
Those who did not have minutes, but were part of the squad
Among the first-time champion players, there is a group that did not make an appearance but who had accompanied the club throughout its title-winning run.
They are goalkeepers CJ dos Santos and Cole Jensen; defenders Ryan Sailor and Harvey Neville and midfielder Edison Azcona. In addition to the brand new reinforcement that came from Racing Club, Tomás Avilés.
