Inter Miami won the MLS Cup last season and has upgraded the squad in the postseason window. The Eastern Conference side has set its sights on winning the CONCACAF Champions League, while retaining the MLS Cup remains a priority.
PFSN examines five players expected to play key roles this season.
5) Micael
Tomás Avilés performed well last season but was not the ideal center back for Javier Mascherano. Inter Miami has signed Micael from Palmeiras on loan for the season, and he is expected to be a key figure in the backline alongside Maximiliano Falcón.
4) David Ayala
David Ayala is just 23 years old and played 98 matches for the Portland Timbers. He impressed with the MLS side, and Inter Miami has now acquired him for $2 million to fill the void left by Sergio Busquets.
The Estudiantes de La Plata product is a defensive midfielder who will play in the pivot for Mascherano’s side. He will receive significant possession as the link between defense and attack, which could make his performances central to the club’s results.
3) Rodrigo De Paul
Rodrigo De Paul joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2025, and his move was made permanent this year. The Argentine contributed last season but will assume a larger role following Busquets’ retirement.
He will be the senior presence in midfield, and his tally of two goals and seven assists will need improvement. He may play deeper this season to help Ayala settle in.
2) Germán Berterame
Inter Miami has secured its long-term replacement for Luis Suárez, and Germán Berterame appears to be a bargain at $15 million. The striker, who arrived from Monterrey, scored 13 goals in 28 Liga MX matches last season (Apertura and Clausura combined).
He is expected to lead the attack this season, with Suárez taking a bench role. The Mexican forward has already linked well with Lionel Messi in preseason matches, and MLS could see its newest attacking duo.
1) Lionel Messi
The MLS MVP for the past two seasons and the player who has guided Inter Miami to silverware in each of the last three campaigns, Messi returns to lead the side once more.
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The Barcelona legend scored 29 goals and recorded 20 assists in the regular season, and similar production is expected this year. A slight dip in form could occur around the summer break as he aims to remain fit for the FIFA World Cup, though his participation is still uncertain.
