MLS 2025 is getting closer, and teams are already working on their preseason to arrive in the best possible shape at the start of the championship.
In this period, we have seen how clubs take advantage of the transfer market and how some, like Chicago Fire, continue to profit from past sales.
In addition, the growth of American soccer is not only reflected in the league, but also in the USMNT, with young players highly valued in Europe.
One of the teams that generates the most attention in this preseason is Inter Miami, which recently played its second friendly, this time in Peru against Universitario.
The match ended 0-0, with Inter Miami winning on penalties 5-4. But it left several important conclusions for the team led by Javier Mascherano.
3. Oscar Ustari, Inter Miami’s star in goal
One of the most positive points for the team was the performance of goalkeeper Oscar Ustari. At 38 years old, the Argentine has shown an outstanding level and seems to be shaping up to be the starting goalkeeper for the season.
Since his arrival on September 8, 2024, he has shown great security between the three posts, and his performance against Universitario was proof of this.
In this match, Ustari played the full 90 minutes and made five key saves, three of them inside the penalty area, as shown by SofaScore statistics.
In addition, he showed great precision with the ball at his feet, recording 44 touches and 96% effectiveness in passes (26 of 27 completed). His ability to play out confidently will be a great asset for Inter Miami in the new season.
2. Inter Miami’s problems in offense
Despite having a roster full of talent, Inter Miami has not managed to win in the two friendlies played so far, which is beginning to raise doubts about the team’s adaptation to Mascherano’s system.
In the match against Universitario, the Peruvian team had 13 total shots, while Inter Miami registered 11, but the effectiveness was a big difference: Universitario had 5 shots on goal, while Miami only 2.
This reflects a lack of offensive playmaking that the coach will have to solve before the start of the season.
3. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, doubts about their physical endurance
One of the issues that most worries this preseason is the ability of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to last 90 minutes.
In this match, both were substituted in the 73rd minute, which suggests that they could have difficulties performing at their best level in the final stages of the matches.
Javier Mascherano will have to study a tactical scheme where both can perform at their best to contribute in the best way to the victories that Inter Miami seeks this season.
