This Tiny Chilean Tornado Wearing #6 Is Secretly Turning MLS Strikers Into Confused Tourists
Well, folks, if you’ve been tuning in to Inter Miami CF this season, you’ve surely noticed one name that just keeps surfacing along that back line: Tomás Avilés, the young defender donning #6. Avilés has already built a reputation as a steady center-back, locking things down and making smart, gutsy plays in high-pressure moments.
His presence just jumps off the screen—whether he’s stepping up to snatch a pass or calmly taking control with the ball at his feet.
At only 21, this Argentine center-back brings a blend of youthful energy and surprising maturity. He’s got the physical tools, but it’s that cool-headed style that really sets him apart for his age.
Since he landed in Miami in 2023, Avilés has made over 30 appearances. Each week, you can see him growing more comfortable and confident out there.
If you’re keeping tabs on Inter Miami’s journey, it’s worth watching how Avilés handles those tough matchups. He’s adapting to a tough league and has become a regular starter for the club.
Want to dig deeper? Check out his profile at Transfermarkt or the official club page.
Contents
Profile of Tomás Avilés
Tomás Avilés, wearing the number 6 shirt for Inter Miami CF, is a defender who stands out for his mix of physical power and a modern, smart approach to the game.
Background and Early Life
Born February 3, 2004, in Río Gallegos, Argentina, Avilés carries both Argentine and Chilean roots—he holds citizenship in both countries. You can see the discipline and commitment he picked up growing up in Argentina.
He started out in Racing Club’s youth system. His progress there was steady, with coaches noticing his constant improvement.
By his late teens, Avilés broke into Racing Club’s senior squad. His confidence and sharp positioning quickly attracted attention.
Inter Miami CF brought him in during 2023. He came over as part of MLS’s U-22 initiative, after impressing in Argentina.
He’s part of a new generation of South American defenders looking to make their mark in MLS. Now, he’s aiming to become a mainstay in Miami’s back line.
Want more? Visit the Inter Miami official player page.
Physical Attributes
Avilés stands 6’1” and weighs in at about 159 pounds. That’s pretty much ideal for a modern centre back: he’s got the reach, but also the agility.
His frame helps him win aerial duels and cover ground quickly. He’s right-footed, which makes him comfortable both defending and building attacks from the back.
He brings a nice mix of strength and speed. Avilés handles the physical side of matches, but he can also keep up when the pace picks up.
Here’s a quick look at his physical profile:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 1 in |
| Weight | 159 lbs |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Age | 21 |
His stamina lets him keep the intensity up for the full 90 minutes. That’s a big deal for any defender.
Position and Playing Style
Avilés lines up as a centre back, anchoring Inter Miami’s defense. He’s got a knack for strong tackles, reading the game, and stepping in to intercept passes.
He’s comfortable pushing up or dropping deeper, giving the back line some much-needed flexibility.
When he’s on the ball, Avilés stays composed. He isn’t afraid to take charge, starting plays from deep with short passes or even those long, cross-field balls.
His recent showings in the Supporters’ Shield campaign have highlighted just how much he’s grown.
You can see shades of top Argentine defenders in his style—technical, tough, and always learning. With experienced coaches and teammates around him, he’s sharpening his tactical awareness and discipline every week.
Inter Miami CF and Tomás Avilés
Avilés has become a key cog in Inter Miami CF’s defense. His journey from Argentina to MLS, and his decision to wear the number 6 jersey, tells you plenty about his drive and his role with the club.
Arrival and Signing
Inter Miami CF signed Avilés in 2023, bringing him straight from Racing Club in Argentina. The club targeted him as a young prospect with the potential to make an immediate impact.
Miami’s strategy was clear: bring in international talent with upside.
He inked a contract running through the 2026 MLS season, with club options for 2027 and 2028. At just 19 when he arrived, Avilés was clearly a long-term investment for Miami’s evolving defense.
The club signed him under the MLS Under-22 Initiative, which helps teams bring in young, high-potential players. You can read more about his signing in the official Inter Miami CF announcement.
Role in the Team
Avilés has slotted in as a center-back, giving Miami’s defense both athleticism and calm under fire. You’ll see him start most games, and he’s adapted fast to the league’s physical and tactical challenges.
He organizes the back line and helps start attacks from deep. With solid coaching and experienced teammates, Avilés is picking up the finer points of positioning and reading the game.
His play was huge during Inter Miami’s run for the Supporters’ Shield. Just look at the stats:
| Season | Appearances | Minutes Played | Tackles | Interceptions | Clearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 37 | 2740 | 82 | 67 | 138 |
He’s building chemistry with the squad and earning respect from fans all over Miami.
Jersey Number and Significance
Avilés rocks the number 6 for Inter Miami CF. That’s a classic number for defensive anchors, especially those in the heart of the back line.
Wearing number 6 shows the coaching staff trusts him and sees him as a key part of Miami’s defense.
Maybe he’s inspired by some of the greats who wore the same number. For fans at Chase Stadium, spotting that number 6 has become a sign of reliability—especially for those grabbing tickets through Vivid Seats for the big matches.
His jersey is already a hit with supporters, and that says a lot about his rising status and the club’s belief in his future.
MLS Career Highlights
Tomás Avilés has made quite the mark as a defender for Inter Miami CF in MLS. He’s controlling the back line, showing up in big games, and holding his own against some of the league’s best.
Debut and Performance Metrics
Avilés debuted for Inter Miami CF after coming over from Racing Club in 2023. He was just 19, but the club didn’t hesitate to throw him into the fire against some serious attacking talent.
His composure and knack for winning the ball were obvious from the get-go.
Check out these numbers from his MLS stint so far:
| Stat | 2023 Season |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 37 |
| Starts | 32 |
| Minutes Played | 2,800+ |
| Tackles | 65 |
| Interceptions | 47 |
| Clearances | 87 |
| Clean Sheets | 10 |
These stats show just how reliable Avilés is. He covers ground, times his interceptions, and clears danger when the team needs it most.
His spot in the Supporters’ Shield-winning squad proves the club’s trust in his ability.
Key Matches and Game Highlights
If you’ve watched Inter Miami’s matches, you probably remember Avilés’s big moments—like when he shut down New York City FC and FC Cincinnati.
In a tough battle against Cincinnati, he won key headers and helped keep their attack quiet. That was huge for Miami’s push in the standings.
He really stood out in the home win over Atlanta United. His tackles broke up attacks and helped preserve a clean sheet.
One memorable play? His assist in a 2-0 win over New York City, launching a counterattack from deep in his own half.
Avilés’s steady hand in tense moments has brought real stability to Miami’s defense. Coaches trust him to take on the league’s top strikers, and fans have started to notice his fearless style.
Impact Against Notable Opponents
Avilés has gone toe-to-toe with some of MLS’s most dangerous attackers. Against Atlanta United, he stayed disciplined and read through balls perfectly, shutting down scoring chances.
When he matched up with New York City FC’s main striker, Avilés won those aerial duels and used his strength to keep attackers in check.
Facing FC Cincinnati, one of the East’s top squads, Avilés made key plays both in the air and on the ground. His decisions under pressure limited Cincinnati’s options through the middle.
It’s clear—his adaptability and defensive chops put him among the league’s most promising young defenders.
Youth and International Experience
Tomás Avilés has built a career that shines for both club and country. His roots at Racing Club and his time with national teams make him a big asset for Inter Miami CF.
Youth Club Journey
You might know Avilés as Inter Miami’s defender, but his football journey started in Argentina. Growing up in Río Gallegos, he learned his craft at Racing Club, one of Argentina’s top youth systems.
Racing Club has a reputation for developing young talent, and Avilés followed that path to the first team.
At Racing, he focused on being a smart, tough defender. Coaches liked his calmness and tackling ability.
He earned a spot in Racing’s senior squad—no small feat for someone his age.
Avilés made appearances in Argentina’s top competitions, building a rep as a reliable center-back.
His quick rise in Argentina set him up for MLS, and when Miami signed him, he was already seen as a player with real upside.
That early experience paid off—he adapted fast to the MLS grind. Racing Club definitely helped lay the foundation for the pro defender we see today.
National Team Representation
Let’s talk about international football and how it’s shaped Avilés’s career. Early on, he suited up for Chile’s youth squads, thanks to his family roots.
He played as a defender for Chile’s youth teams and picked up some real international experience before deciding to switch sides.
In 2023, Avilés started pulling on the Argentina U20 jersey, and wow, did he stand out. Argentina’s youth system? It’s stacked with talent. Coaches don’t hand out those spots for nothing, so you know they believe in him.
His move from Chile to Argentina definitely got people talking. It made it clear—his heart’s with his birth country.
Avilés brings a rare versatility to the table, fitting into different national setups with ease. Not many defenders can say they’ve played for two different national youth teams.
That exposure? It’s been huge for him. He’s picked up different tactical styles and defensive tricks, all while still developing as a young pro.
FIFA U-20 World Cup Participation
Avilés hit a new milestone when he joined Argentina’s squad for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. He went up against the best young players in the world and didn’t look out of place for a second.
During those high-stakes matches, coaches handed him some big defensive assignments. He took on the challenge with grit.
His World Cup run put his strengths front and center. You could see him flying into tackles, staying disciplined, and reading the game like a veteran.
Scouts and analysts noticed. They watched his calmness, even when things got tense.
Tournament Summary Table
| Year | Team | Matches Played | Minutes Played | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Argentina U20 | 4 | 320 | 2 | 0 |
That World Cup experience? It raised his profile big time. He came back sharper, ready to take on bigger challenges at Inter Miami.
Career Development and Transfers
Tomás Avilés has worked his way through South American and American football, showing growth at every stop. His move from Racing Club in Argentina to Inter Miami CF in MLS? That’s a big step up.
Move from Racing Club
You probably first heard about Tomás Avilés at Racing Club, one of Argentina’s storied clubs. He made his pro debut there and broke into the first team while still a teenager.
Avilés impressed with his ball skills and how he read the game in the Argentine Primera División.
He faced tough opponents and learned to handle pressure in big matches. His one-on-one defending and cool head started to turn heads—people began calling him a future star.
Racing Club gave him his shot, and it didn’t take long for scouts from Europe and MLS to start circling.
Inter Miami, always on the lookout for young talent, decided to bring him across the Atlantic.
Progression in MLS
When Avilés landed at Inter Miami in 2023, he jumped into a whole new style of play in Major League Soccer. Right away, you saw a defender who could adapt—comfortable in the center and able to move the ball out from the back.
Inter Miami wasted no time putting their trust in him. He stepped up and handled the pressure.
Here’s what he’s done so far with Inter Miami:
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Yellow Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 1,050 |
| 2024 | 29 | 1 | 4 | 2,300 |
Game after game, Avilés shows tactical smarts and maturity that’s rare for his age. If you’re a fan, you’re feeling more confident with him anchoring the back line. He’s become a key piece for Inter Miami in every big match.
Transfer Details and Expectations
Alright, let’s dive into how Avilés made his way to Inter Miami. The club signed him through the 2026 MLS season, and they even threw in options for 2027 and 2028.
That’s a big vote of confidence. You can tell Inter Miami wants to lock down his development for the long haul.
This wasn’t just any transfer—it happened as part of MLS’s U-22 initiative. That program’s all about giving promising young talent a shot.
So, what does this mean for fans? Well, you get to watch a young player grow up right in front of your eyes, season after season.
Inter Miami’s clearly trying to mix youth and experience, and honestly, Avilés just fits that blueprint. He’s got the skills to make an immediate splash, but there’s also a sense he’ll shape the club’s defense for years.
If you want all the nitty-gritty details, check out Inter Miami’s official announcement.
