Fresh off their first-ever Major League Soccer (MLS) triumph, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are in the process of injecting new blood into their squad. And, a new Inter Miami ace has shed light on why he decided to join the Javier Mascherano-coached outfit.
So, who is the mystery new Herons signing and why did the star secure his recent move?
Lionel Messi’s New Teammate Opens Up on Inter Miami Transfer
During a recent interaction on the Money Buys Happiness podcast, Inter Miami’s new signing Dayne St. Clair revealed he joined Messi’s side to grow under pressure and win trophies.
“One thing that sticks out to me is the opportunity. And the ambition and the desire to win. And the expectation. Leading up to the FIFA World Cup, this move made the most amount of sense for me. Every game is going to be pressurized, similar to the World Cup. Every game, there is an expectation to win home or away. For those reasons, it made the most sense for me,” St. Clair said.
Asked to share his honest thoughts on potentially playing alongside Messi, St. Clair claimed he is excited to share a locker room with a legend like the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“You always dream of it. Growing up and playing FIFA back in the day, you create your little player and you put yourself on the best teams in the world. If you would’ve asked me, is Messi going to play in the MLS? I would’ve probably said no however many years ago. So it’s hard to really picture it. I never imagined it many years ago, it’s an honor to play with him now,” St. Clair responded.
St. Clair, who turned 28 last May, relished a standout campaign for Minnesota United before joining Messi’s outfit on a Bosman move on Jan. 4. The 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year is set to be the Herons’ first-choice goalkeeper following the end of Rocco Rios Novo’s loan.
READ MORE: Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Eyeing Up Move For USMNT International
The Canadian, who has earned 18 international caps, helped Minnesota United finish fourth in the Western Conference table and reach the conference semi-finals in 2025. He recorded 10 clean sheets and conceded only 30 goals in as many league games last campaign.
Apart from St. Clair, Inter Miami have also permanently signed Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul for $17 million from Atletico Madrid this month. They have also signed Spanish left-back Sergio Reguilon and Argentine right-back Facundo Mura on free transfers.
