“Old Barcelona Team” Struggles: Is Inter Miami Too Slow for Modern Football?

Inter Miami, once the center of excitement thanks to Lionel Messi’s arrival, is now being criticized as the “Old Barcelona Team.” With aging stars like Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba leading the squad, fans and pundits alike are asking: is this team too old to compete at the highest level?

The recent 3-1 loss to Vancouver Whitecaps in the CONCACAF Champions Cup was more than just a defeat. It was a clear sign that Miami’s strategy might not be working. Across two legs, Miami lost 5-1 — a heavy blow for a club that once dreamed of dominating North American football.

Built Around Old Legends

Inter Miami was built like a Barcelona reunion tour. Messi, Suárez, Busquets, and Alba once ruled Europe with their chemistry and class. Now in their mid-to-late 30s, they are struggling to keep up with younger, faster teams.

Last season, the “old guard” helped Miami win the MLS Supporters’ Shield. But this year, that magic seems to be fading. Suárez, now 38, has visibly slowed down. Busquets looks a shadow of his prime self. Alba still joins the attack but often forgets his defensive duties. Messi still shows glimpses of brilliance, but he can’t carry the whole team at 37.

A Team Out of Balance

Pundits have called the team unbalanced. “They can’t run. They can’t defend,” said Fox TV expert Warren Barton. “Five players attack, the rest try to defend — but nothing clicks.”

Young, energetic teams like Vancouver are exploiting these weaknesses. While Miami’s veterans try to control the game with experience, the opponents are playing with speed, strength, and intensity. And it’s working.

Coaching Choices Under Fire

Head coach Javier Mascherano, another former Barcelona teammate of Messi, is also facing criticism. He’s been relying heavily on the veterans and keeping younger players on the bench — a risky decision in fast-paced tournaments.

Bigger Challenges Ahead

Miami’s next test is even bigger: the FIFA Club World Cup in June. They’ll face strong sides like Egypt’s Al Ahly, Portugal’s Porto, and Brazil’s Palmeiras. If they don’t improve, Miami could suffer a humiliating exit on the global stage.

MLS has long tried to change its image from being a “retirement league” for aging European stars. But Miami’s current struggles are making that label hard to shake off.

Time to Evolve?

Messi’s arrival raised the global profile of MLS. But football has changed. Speed, youth, and energy now dominate the game. Unless Miami adapts, the dream built around “Old Barcelona” may turn into a slow-motion collapse.