Messi and Inter Miami lag behind two North American clubs

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) unveiled the newest club rankings for February, highlighting Inter Miami's standing.

As Lionel Messi and Inter Miami prepare to start the new MLS season and Concacaf Champions Cup, Concacaf published the updated club rankings for February. Despite having a star-studded squad, the South Florida team has yet to break into the top two spots, trailing behind two Liga MX giants (Mexico's top league).

According to the ranking posted by Concacaf on their official website, Inter Miami remains in third place, unchanged from the previous release. However, the top spot has changed hands as Toluca has risen to claim number one after surpassing Cruz Azul.

The team that successfully defended their Liga MX title now leads the rankings with 1,257 points, thanks to the championship won in December 2025. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul, the reigning Concacaf Champions Cup champions, dropped to second place with 1,250 points.

The Concacaf club rankings evaluate all teams in the region based on their domestic league results, regional tournaments, and the Concacaf Champions Cup.

With 1,249 points, Inter Miami remains the highest-ranked MLS team. Following them is Vancouver Whitecaps, who are fifth with 1,233 points after an impressive 2025 season, finishing runner-up in both the Champions Cup and MLS Cup.

Other MLS representatives in the top 10 include Columbus Crew (1,224 points, seventh), LAFC (1,222 points, eighth), and the Leagues Cup champion Seattle Sounders (1,217 points, ninth).

Currently, Inter Miami and Lionel Messi are finalizing preparations to defend their historic MLS Cup title. Their season kicks off on February 21 at the LA Memorial Coliseum, where Inter Miami will face LAFC, a team featuring several stars including Son Heung-min.

Fans in South Florida will have to wait longer to see the first home game. Inter Miami will only play at their new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, starting from round 6, hosting Austin FC on April 4 in the stadium’s inaugural match.

Besides MLS, the Concacaf Champions Cup is identified as Inter Miami’s primary goal this year, according to owner Jorge Mas. Granted a direct spot in the round of 16, the team will play the first leg from March 10 to 12 against the winner of the preliminary tie between Atletico Ottawa and Nashville SC.

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