Inter Miami Bolsters Roster as Messi Aims for Second Straight MLS Title

The club makes key offseason moves to build on its first MLS Cup championship.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 3:21pm

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Less than three months after winning their first MLS Cup, David Beckham's Inter Miami CF, led by superstar Lionel Messi, is showing no signs of slowing down. The club has made several key offseason moves to bolster its roster as it aims to defend its title and capture a second straight league championship.

Why it matters

Messi's arrival in MLS last year was a major coup for the league, drawing global attention and boosting viewership and interest. Inter Miami's quick success under Messi's leadership has further elevated the profile of the MLS, and the club's offseason moves demonstrate its ambition to remain an elite contender.

The details

Inter Miami has signed several high-profile players in the offseason, including a new starting goalkeeper and a pair of experienced midfielders, to complement Messi and the core of the team that won the MLS Cup in 2025. The club is clearly investing heavily to build a roster capable of sustained success and challenging for trophies year after year.

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

The players

Lionel Messi

Argentinian soccer superstar who joined Inter Miami in 2025 and led the club to its first MLS Cup championship.

David Beckham

Co-owner of Inter Miami CF and one of the driving forces behind the club's rapid rise to success in MLS.

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What they’re saying

“Winning the MLS Cup in our first season was an incredible achievement, but we're not resting on our laurels. We're determined to build on that success and establish Inter Miami as a perennial powerhouse in this league.”

— David Beckham, Co-owner, Inter Miami CF

What’s next

Inter Miami will open the 2026 MLS season on March 2nd against the defending Supporters' Shield champions.

The takeaway

Inter Miami's aggressive offseason moves demonstrate the club's ambition to capitalize on its 2025 MLS Cup triumph and cement its status as one of the premier franchises in Major League Soccer, with Lionel Messi leading the charge.