Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami were relatively quite busy with their transfer dealings last month, with the club aiming to defend their Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup trophy. However, their squad is still far from complete ahead of the 2026 MLS season.
Identifying 3 Alternative Arrivals for Lionel Messi-Led Inter Miami
During the recently concluded winter transfer window, Inter Miami spent around $41 million on player incomings. Most notably, the MLS club made Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende’s loan deals permanent and signed striker German Berterame.
The Javier Mascherano-coached team, which beat Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the 2025 MLS Cup final last December, also added six other players to their squad. They signed defensive midfielder David Ayala for a fee and roped in Sergio Reguilon on a free transfer.
However, as things stand, Messi’s side could have strengthened even more last month. We, at PFSN, take a look at three players the Herons should have recently signed.
Sergio Ramos
Ever since being released by Liga MX club Monterrey, Sergio Ramos has been on the search for a new team. The 39-year-old legendary centre-back still has plenty left in the tank, with the Real Madrid icon scoring eight times in 34 total games for Monterrey in 2025.
Although the Messi-led outfit loaned in Micael from Palmeiras last month, they are currently a bit lacking in the centre-back department. Had they signed Ramos before the start of the new MLS season, they would have had a proven leader in their backline.
Moreover, Ramos already has experience playing alongside Inter Miami captain Gonzalo Higuain at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He teamed up with the Argentine from 2021 to 2023.
Casemiro
Around 10 days before the end of the winter transfer window, Brazil and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro announced that he will depart his current team this summer. He could have been an ideal replacement for Sergio Busquets, who retired last year.
Casemiro, whose Manchester United contract expires this June, could have provided valuable mentorship to Ayala, who left the Portland Timbers to join the Herons recently. The Real Madrid great could also have aptly allowed De Paul to play in an advanced role.
The 33-year-old, who has been linked to MLS and Saudi Pro League sides of late, has been an ever-present figure for Manchester United this season. He has started 22 of his 23 Premier League appearances this term, netting five goals.
Denis Bouanga
Before Inter Miami finalized the transfer to sign Berterame from Monterrey in January, they were allegedly linked with Los Angeles FC (LAFC) forward Denis Bouanga. The Herons could have added Bouanga to their ranks as a versatile attacking option.
Bouanga, 31, could have taken on the responsibility of covering more ground with his pace and directness, allowing Messi to be more focused on his creativity. He was even nominated for the MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) award alongside the Argentine in 2025.
Last campaign, the Gabon international registered 24 goals and seven assists in 31 regular-season matches for his MLS outfit. He further contributed two goals and as many assists in three MLS Cup playoff games before LAFC were knocked out in the quarter-finals.
