Atlanta United Reportedly Set to Sign Former Messi Teammate from Inter Miami

The MLS Cup winner will bring experience to the young Atlanta squad as they look to bounce back in 2026.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Atlanta United are reportedly set to sign 34-year-old winger Fafà Picault, who was a teammate of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami and won the 2025 MLS Cup with the club. Picault's contract with Inter Miami expired at the end of last season, and he enters free agency as Atlanta looks to rebuild its roster under returning head coach Tata Martino.

Why it matters

After a disappointing 2025 season that saw them finish 14th in the Eastern Conference, Atlanta United are looking to bounce back in 2026 with a more experienced roster. The addition of Picault, who has over 200 MLS appearances and won the league title last year, could provide valuable leadership and production to complement the club's young core.

The details

Picault joined Inter Miami in 2025 after leaving the Vancouver Whitecaps, and he began the season as a key rotation piece alongside Messi. However, the emergence of younger attackers Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti reduced Picault's role under head coach Javier Mascherano. Despite the decreased playing time, Picault remained part of the Inter Miami squad that won the Eastern Conference and MLS Cup in 2025, finishing the year with 28 appearances and 4 goals.

  • Picault's contract with Inter Miami expired at the end of the 2025 MLS season.
  • Atlanta United are preparing their roster for the 2026 MLS campaign.

The players

Gerardo "Tata" Martino

The Argentine coach has returned to Atlanta United as the club's head coach, tasked with rebuilding the squad and establishing an identity with the fanbase.

Fafà Picault

A 34-year-old Haitian winger who was a teammate of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami and won the 2025 MLS Cup with the club.

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What they’re saying

“We believe that we have the opportunity to change that dynamic and be able to establish (an) identity with the fanbase. We think that the players who make up this roster have more potential than they showed in the standings. By adding a few new faces to the team, we'll be able to form a competitive group.”

— Gerardo "Tata" Martino, Head Coach, Atlanta United (worldsoccertalk.com)

What’s next

Atlanta United are expected to continue their roster rebuild ahead of the 2026 MLS season, with Tata Martino looking to add more experienced players to complement the club's young core.

The takeaway

Atlanta United's reported signing of Fafà Picault, a former Lionel Messi teammate and MLS Cup winner, is a clear indication of the club's desire to add veteran leadership and proven production to their squad as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.