Inter Miami is pink. Everybody knows that. It’s the color of the flamingos, the neon lights on Ocean Drive, and basically the international calling card for any Lionel Messi fan since he touched down in South Florida. But then, things got weird—in a good way.
Suddenly, a blue Inter Miami jersey started appearing on the pitch and in the stands at Chase Stadium. It wasn't just a random shade of blue, either. It was a vibrant, nostalgic aqua that felt immediately familiar to anyone who has spent more than five minutes in South Florida.
Honestly, the "Riptide" collection and the Archive series that followed aren't just about selling more shirts. They are a deliberate nod to a city that had a sports identity long before David Beckham brought his vision to the MLS.
What's the Deal With the Blue?
If you're wondering why the club took a sharp left turn away from their signature pink, you have to look at the Miami Dolphins. The color, officially dubbed "Semi Blue Burst" by Adidas, is a dead ringer for the iconic aqua worn by the city’s NFL franchise.
It’s a vibe.
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The jersey features orange and white trim on the collar and sleeves, which is basically the holy trinity of Miami sports colors. While some fans were worried that moving away from pink would dilute the brand, the opposite happened. It anchored the club to the community.
Design Details You Might Have Missed
- The Typography: Instead of the usual sponsor logos taking center stage in a boring corporate font, the 2024/2025 third kit uses an Art Deco-style "Miami" wordmark. It’s the "Broadway" font, famously seen in the Miami Vice opening credits.
- The Logo Swap: Look closely at the chest. The usual club crest is often swapped or simplified in these archive editions, sometimes featuring a monochrome finish or a classic Trefoil logo from Adidas to lean into that 80s aesthetic.
- The Material: It’s not just a fashion piece. These are the "Authentic" versions with AEROREADY tech, meaning they’re built for the humidity that hits you like a wet blanket the second you walk outside in Fort Lauderdale.
The Archive Collection: More Than a Throwback
When Adidas dropped the Archive Collection, they weren't just guessing what people wanted. They tapped into a very specific 1980s and 90s nostalgia. This wasn't just for Inter Miami; it was a league-wide move, but let’s be real—Miami did it best.
The blue Inter Miami jersey stands out because the club is so young. Unlike the LA Galaxy or D.C. United, Inter Miami doesn't have a 1996 jersey to "bring back." They had to invent a history. By borrowing the visual language of the Orange Bowl era and the Dolphins' glory days, they basically "grandfathered" themselves into the city’s sporting lineage.
It’s clever marketing, sure. But it also looks incredible under the stadium lights.
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How to Tell the 2024 and 2025 Versions Apart
There’s been some confusion because of how quickly these kits rotate. The 2024 archive kit leaned heavily into the "Orange Bowl" inspiration with those bright orange pops.
The 2025 "Riptide" version, which Messi famously modeled for the launch, feels a bit more "oceanic." It has these subtle vertical pinstripes that look like ripples in the water. It’s a bit more sophisticated, less "loud" than the first blue drop, but still unmistakably South Florida.
Is It Still Worth Buying?
Prices for these kits aren't exactly cheap. You’re looking at anywhere from $100 for a replica to $150+ for the authentic player-version.
If you're a collector, the answer is yes. These third kits are usually limited runs. Once the season cycle ends, Adidas moves on to the next concept, and these blue versions will likely become "grails" on the secondary market.
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Plus, there's the Messi factor. Any jersey he wears during his stint in the US is a piece of history. Seeing him in aqua instead of pink is a rare sight that fans are already paying a premium to own.
Real-World Wearability
Let’s talk about the "lifestyle" side of this. Pink is a bold choice for a Saturday afternoon at the grocery store. It's a statement.
The aqua blue? It’s a lot easier to pull off. It pairs perfectly with light denim or those Gazelle sneakers Adidas released alongside the kit. It’s the kind of jersey you wear to a bar or a beach party without looking like you’re about to sub into a match at the 70th minute.
Care Instructions (Don't Ruin It)
- Turn it inside out. Those heat-pressed logos (especially on the authentic version) hate being rubbed against other clothes.
- Cold water only. Heat is the enemy of polyester and adhesive.
- Hang dry. Never, ever put a $150 jersey in the dryer unless you want the "Miami" logo to start peeling off by next week.
The blue Inter Miami jersey is a rare example of a club getting a "third kit" exactly right. It respects the city's past while making the current team feel like they’ve been here forever. Whether you call it aqua, teal, or "Semi Blue Burst," it’s a permanent part of the club’s evolving identity.
Practical Next Steps for Fans
If you're looking to grab one, check the official MLS Store or the Adidas site first to ensure you're getting a genuine product rather than a low-quality knockoff. For those in Miami, the Team Store at Chase Stadium often has stock that isn't available online. If you're stuck between sizes, go one size up for the "Authentic" fit, as they are cut significantly slimmer than the "Replica" versions.