The Next Generation: 7 Inter Miami CF II Players Poised For A First Team Call-Up In 2025
The Inter Miami CF II roster for the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season is officially set, and it represents the future of The Herons' organization. This team is not just a reserve squad; it is a critical, proven pipeline designed to transition the club's most promising Academy talents into professional-ready athletes who can eventually play alongside the First Team stars. The focus for this year is on a core group of returning players who have already tasted success and are now pushing for the next step in their careers, making the 2025 season a crucial proving ground for several key prospects.
As of late December 2025, the focus remains on development, with the roster featuring a mix of returning professionals and a strong contingent of amateur players from the Inter Miami CF Academy. The pathway from the Academy to Inter Miami CF II, and ultimately to the First Team, has become a hallmark of the club's long-term strategy, with several players already exemplifying this successful progression. This article breaks down the most vital players and the strategic role of the second team in the club's ambitious future.
The 2025 Roster's Core: Key Players and Biographical Snapshots
Inter Miami CF II serves as a vital bridge for young talent, providing competitive professional experience in the MLS NEXT Pro league. The 2025 roster is anchored by a group of players who have demonstrated consistent performance and leadership in the previous season. Their continued development is central to the team's success and the First Team's long-term health.
- César Abadía-Reda: Defender (USA), Age 19 (Born Feb 21, 2006). A reliable presence in the backline, Abadía-Reda is a defensive prospect who has already earned call-ups and played significant minutes, making 17 appearances in the 2024 season.
- Samuel Basabe: Left-Back/Defender (USA), Age 19 (Born Dec 2, 2005). Basabe is a versatile defender, often deployed as a Left-Back, whose pace and defensive awareness make him a strong candidate for a First Team contract.
- Ricardo Montenegro: Central Midfield (USA), Age 21 (Born Sep 23, 2004). A central figure in the midfield, Montenegro is a veteran of the II team, having played 25 matches in 2024. His experience and control in the center of the pitch are invaluable.
- Alejandro Flores: Attacking Midfield/Midfielder (USA), Age 19 (Born Apr 5, 2006). Flores is a creative attacking midfielder who provides the spark in the final third. He registered 14 appearances in the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season.
- Giovanni Ferraina: Defender (Argentina). Ferraina returns, having previously been on loan, and is expected to shore up the central defense.
- Alejo Ristano: Right-Back (Argentina), Age 20. Another key returning defender, Ristano is a reliable presence on the right side of the defense.
- Jack Pymm: Midfielder (USA), Age 18. A young midfielder who is part of the returning core, Pymm's role is crucial for midfield depth and development.
The Proven Player Development Pathway to the First Team
Inter Miami CF II is structured specifically to be a "proven pathway" for young players, bridging the gap between the competitive youth environment of the Academy and the demands of Major League Soccer (MLS).
The MLS NEXT Pro league provides the ideal level of competition for this transition, allowing players to face experienced professionals while still focusing on individual development. This systematic approach ensures that when a player is called up to the First Team, they are not only technically proficient but also mentally prepared for the professional game.
The club has consistently demonstrated its commitment to this pathway. Players such as Israel Boatwright, who signed as a Homegrown Player, and Leonardo Afonso, who was recently involved in a transfer, are prime examples of the system working effectively.
For the current crop of Inter Miami II players, the goal is clear: consistent performance in MLS NEXT Pro will lead to training sessions with the First Team and, eventually, a professional contract. The presence of global superstars on the First Team roster, including Lionel Messi, provides an unparalleled training environment and a tangible goal for the young players to strive for.
Academy Prospects and Rising Stars to Watch
Beyond the core returning group, the 2025 roster is supplemented by a significant number of players on amateur contracts directly from the Inter Miami CF Academy. This infusion of raw, local talent ensures that the pipeline remains fresh and competitive.
These Academy players are often the most exciting prospects, as they represent the highest level of youth talent in South Florida. Their inclusion in the Inter Miami II squad allows them to train and compete at a professional level without sacrificing their amateur status, preserving NCAA eligibility while accelerating their development.
Key Academy Talents Integrated into Inter Miami CF II:
- Matias Marin: A young player from the Academy who will be looking to make an impact in the midfield.
- Ivan Schmid: Another Academy product expected to gain valuable experience in the professional environment.
- Yuval: A promising talent, simply known by his first name, who represents the depth of the Academy system.
- Preston Plambeck: A 19-year-old midfielder who has been integrated from the Academy and is listed on the roster for 2025.
- Cristian Ortiz: A 20-year-old left-winger with dual US/Puerto Rican nationality, whose attacking flair from the Academy could be a significant asset.
The integration of these players is a deliberate strategy to ensure a seamless transition for the club's homegrown talent. The sheer number of Academy players—nine on amateur contracts to start the year—underscores the club's commitment to building from within.
The Impact of MLS NEXT Pro on Player Value
The MLS NEXT Pro league has elevated the professional standards for reserve teams, directly impacting the market value and readiness of players like those in Inter Miami CF II. The rigorous schedule, structured competition, and national exposure mean that when a player is ready for a First Team opportunity, they have a substantial body of work to back their readiness.
Players like Ricardo Montenegro and César Abadía-Reda, who logged substantial minutes in the 2024 season, are now entering 2025 as proven commodities at the MLS NEXT Pro level. Their next challenge is to demonstrate the consistency and quality required to compete in MLS. The club's continued investment in the Inter Miami II program is a clear signal that they view this team as the primary source of future First Team talent, ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective method of roster building.
The 2025 season is not just about winning for Inter Miami CF II; it is about forging the next generation of MLS stars. Every match is an audition, and for the seven key players highlighted, the spotlight is firmly on their path to the First Team.
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