Inter Miami journalist says he remains sidelined by club with no explanation
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Inter Miami journalist Franco Panizo hasn't been allowed to cover home matches. Photo of Inter Miami logo: Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images; Photo of Panizo: Courtesy of Franco Panizo
Local soccer journalist Franco Panizo covered every Inter Miami home match for the past six seasons — until last month, when the club denied his credentials without explanation, he says.
Why it matters: The independent journalist is one of the most critical and polarizing reporters covering the club.
- His biting comments — often signed off with a #Messi hashtag — spark criticism and debate on social media.
- He says he believes his reporting style is playing a role in his being denied access to matches.
The other side: Inter did not respond to requests for comment from Axios.
What they're saying: "I'm critical, I'm opinionated, I'm loud, I'm probably annoying, but I am a journalist," Panizo, founder of the "Miami Total Futbol" podcast, tells Axios.
Catch up quick: Thirteen matches into the season, Panizo says he has been denied access to every home game with no explanation.
- His absence from the press box was condemned by the North American Soccer Reporters. (His detractors have gleefully mocked his exclusion.)
Inter has allowed Panizo to cover training sessions near the club's old Fort Lauderdale stadium, but he hasn't been credentialed for Nu Stadium, the team's new arena.
- Regardless, he has attended every home match this season, either by purchasing his own tickets or receiving them from a podcast listener.
- "They can take the access; they can't take the audience," he says.
The intrigue: Panizo says he's always been critical of the club, but Inter never took issue with it before. He and other reporters received a "top attendance" plaque from Inter in 2025 for their coverage.
- He wonders whether the introduction of a public relations firm aligned with Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has played a role in his exclusion.
- Unique FC, which has worked with Messi and other soccer stars, began collaborating with Inter Miami's communications team last season, Panizo recently reported for "Miami Total Futbol."
- "I've been critical and I've been outspoken since Messi got here [in 2023]," he tells Axios. "Why would Inter just now deny me?"
- Unique FC did not respond to a request for comment.
What's next: Panizo plans to be at Nu Stadium on Sunday as Inter Miami plays the Portland Timbers — with a ticket he bought himself.