Inter Miami Seeks to Defend MLS Title with Rejuvenated Roster and Messi

The club looks to build on last year's championship with its superstar forward still leading the way.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Inter Miami, the reigning MLS champions, are aiming to defend their title this season with a roster that has been refreshed with younger talent, while still retaining the services of superstar Lionel Messi. The team silenced many pessimistic voices that had claimed they were overly reliant on veteran players to reach the top of the league.

Why it matters

Messi's arrival in MLS last year was a major coup for the league, and Inter Miami's ability to build a winning team around him will be closely watched as they look to cement their status as one of the top clubs in North American soccer.

The details

After winning their first MLS championship in 2025, Inter Miami have made some key roster changes this offseason, bringing in several younger players to complement their veteran core led by Messi. The team is hoping the infusion of new talent will help them sustain their success and avoid any potential over-reliance on their aging superstar.

  • Inter Miami won the MLS Cup in 2025.
  • The 2026 MLS season is set to kick off in the coming weeks.

The players

Lionel Messi

Argentinian soccer legend who joined Inter Miami in 2025 and led the team to the MLS championship in his first season with the club.

Inter Miami

The professional soccer club based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida that won the 2025 MLS Cup in its second season of existence.

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The takeaway

Inter Miami's ability to build a winning team around Lionel Messi will be a major storyline to watch as the club aims to defend its MLS title and cement its status as one of the top teams in the league.