Inter Miami Bolsters Roster as Messi Aims for Back-to-Back MLS Titles

The club makes key offseason moves to strengthen its lineup ahead of the new season.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Less than three months after winning their first MLS Cup championship, the Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami CF is showing no signs of slowing down. The club has made several key offseason acquisitions to bolster its roster as it prepares to defend its title in the upcoming season.

Why it matters

Messi's arrival in MLS last year was a major coup for the league, and Inter Miami's quick success has only heightened interest in the sport across the United States. The team's ability to quickly reload and remain competitive will be closely watched as the league seeks to capitalize on its newfound popularity.

The details

Inter Miami has added several high-profile players to its roster, including a pair of experienced midfielders and a young, promising striker. The club is aiming to build on its championship-winning campaign and cement its status as one of the top teams in MLS.

  • Inter Miami won its first MLS Cup in December 2025.
  • The 2026 MLS season is set to kick off in March.

The players

Lionel Messi

The legendary Argentine forward who joined Inter Miami in 2025 and led the club to its first MLS Cup championship.

Inter Miami CF

The professional soccer club based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS).

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What they’re saying

“We're not resting on our laurels. We want to build on last year's success and show that we're here to stay as one of the top teams in the league.”

— Phil Neville, Inter Miami Head Coach (Miami Herald)

What’s next

Inter Miami will open the 2026 MLS season on March 2 against the New York Red Bulls.

The takeaway

Inter Miami's offseason moves demonstrate the club's ambition to remain a dominant force in MLS and capitalize on the growing popularity of the sport in the United States, especially with a global superstar like Lionel Messi leading the way.