When InterMiami took the pitch for the first time in 2020, wearing the white and black jerseys that the club wore in the first two years Major League Soccer The seasons were rebranded with a distinctive pink identity that made them immediately stand out and deviate from the traditional bold colors typically seen around the world.
The Miami-based player was founded in 2018 and began competing in the MLS in the 2020 season. Back then, the first home jersey was white with pink applications.
While the appearance of a jersey often only conveys a superficial message, for Inter Miami the change represents a larger statement and symbol. Additionally, the striking pink home jersey gained global recognition after Lionel Messi joined the club in 2023.
Here, GOAL explains the reasons behind Inter Miami's choice of shades of pink over the years.
Why does Inter Miami play in pink?
Since 2022, Inter Miami's home jerseys typically feature a pink base color with black accents.
While the first white jersey was inspired by the great blue heron and featured pink accents to reflect the vibrant spirit of South Florida, the all-pink stripe, in contrast, symbolizes the flamingos that were once abundant in the region. Therefore, the club has adopted the distinctive color of the flamingo as a symbol of local pride.
Additionally, Miami is known for its vibrant color palette, including Art Deco architecture, neon signs, and pastel skylines. Pink is more than just a color in Miami; It's a core aesthetic.
Famous structures like the 10th Street Lifeguard Tower are painted pink, areas of South Beach feature bright pink sidewalks, and among other pink-themed locations throughout Miami, the natural pink tone of some Miami beaches adds another level to the city's association with the color. By adopting this color, Inter Miami has managed to tap into the city's cultural DNA and create a brand that feels authentically “Miami.”
For the fans…
When the club first launched, the home kit was a very light, almost cream pink. Under the stadium lights, many fans felt it didn't look sufficiently pink.
To address this issue, the first all-pink home kit was introduced in 2022, called “The Heartbeat Kit” and dedicated to Inter Miami fans, considered the true pulse of the team.
Why the two-year wait?
The delay was due to the technical challenge of reproducing Inter Miami's specific, rich shade of pink – neither hot nor pale – which Adidas was unable to produce in time for the 2020 season. Additionally, the league's two-year kit cycle meant the club had to wait until 2022 for a new kit in bright colors.
The Messi connection
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In 2023, Inter Miami reintroduced a much brighter, bolder pink color for its jersey. This new shade quickly became even more typical, especially after Messi's arrival at the club.
Introduced in 2025, the design language of the two-tone pink striped home kits, which will carry over into the 2026 season, was planned as a tribute to Messi's two main teams – Argentina and Barcelona – both of which are known to wear stripes.