USMNT Icon Tim Howard Details How Lionel Messi Factor Is Helping Inter Miami Sign New Players

Before Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, the biggest names the club managed to pull from European leagues were Gonzalo Higuaín and Blaise Matuidi. The MLS team’s fortunes have changed since the Argentine arrived, as more players have begun moving to the club.

Playing With Lionel Messi Is a Key Factor, Says USMNT Icon

Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez, and even Rodrigo De Paul have been close to Messi for a few years, and there is no doubt that he played a role in bringing them to the club. The Argentine announced his decision to make the switch on June 7, 2023, and within days, Barcelona’s legendary midfielder Busquets followed.

The Eastern Conference side has been aggressive in the market this month, having already lured in the top goalkeeper from the 2025 season, Dayne St. Clair, and traded for David Ayala from the Portland Timbers for $2 million. They have also brought in Sergio Reguilón as a replacement for Jordi Alba following his retirement, while Rodrigo De Paul has made his move permanent after joining on loan in the middle of last season.

Tadeo Allende also moved on loan during the 2025 season, joining from Celta Vigo, and Jorge Mas has revealed that he will be with the club in the 2026 season as well. Former USMNT star Tim Howard believes these moves are easier for the MLS side to complete because of Messi.

READ MORE: Inter Miami Transfer News: Lionel Messi-Led Side Handed Boost As Co-Owner Confirms MLS Cup Champion Will Return to Club

Speaking on the “Unfiltered Soccer” podcast, Howard told Landon Donovan that the Inter Miami board is going all out this month to acquire players, and he believes they want to show they are a successful club. He claims that young players would be open to joining the Herons because they get the chance to team up with Messi, and said:

“Their technical director, their front office, and their ownership are firmly in the driver’s seat. When they go after a player, the pitch is simple: you get to live in Miami, and by the way, you get to play with Messi.

“They’ve won major trophies in the last two years. How many players are going to say no to that? A successful club, a great city, elite teammates — at some point you just say, ‘Put whatever on the check, I want to be part of this.’ Playing with Messi is a massive factor.”

Messi has renewed his deal with Inter Miami through 2028, extending his stay at the club after joining on a free transfer in 2023.