Match story
- Inter Miami fired more attempts (12 vs 11 shots).
- Inter Miami was more accurate in front of goal (42% on target vs 27%).
- Inter Miami held more of the ball (53% possession).
FC Dallas and Inter Miami drew 4-4 in the Leagues Cup. The fixture is part of the Round of 16 stage in the 2023 season. The match was played at Toyota Stadium in Toyota. C. Ramos officiated the match. The full-time result capped a FC Dallas vs Inter Miami meeting in Leagues Cup with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for FC Dallas and Inter Miami. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Leagues CupRecorded meetings: 4 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
FC Dallas and Inter Miami drew 4-4 in the Leagues Cup. The fixture is part of the Round of 16 stage in the 2023 season. The match was played at Toyota Stadium in Toyota. C. Ramos officiated the match. The full-time result capped a FC Dallas vs Inter Miami meeting in Leagues Cup with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for FC Dallas and Inter Miami. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Leagues CupRecorded meetings: 4 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
The Argentine superstar once again proved why he remains one of the game's defining figures, producing a decisive display that further strengthened his remarkable legacy while helping his club begin the tournament perfectly. Lionel Messi delivered another unforgettable performance as Inter Miami opened its 2026 Leagues Cup campaign with an impressive victory, adding yet another milestone to his extraordinary career. The Argentine superstar once again proved why he remains one of the game’s defining figures, producing a decisive display that further strengthened his remarkable legacy while helping his club begin the tournament perfectly. The latest achievement adds to an already glittering resume that spans nearly two decades, but this one carried special significance in a competition that has become increasingly important across North America. By the final whistle, Messi had once again placed himself at the center of the soccer conversation after another night where his quality made the difference. Inter Miami opens with statement victory Inter Miami kicked off its Leagues Cup journey by defeating Atletico San Luis 4-2 in an entertaining contest that featured six goals, dramatic momentum swings, and another masterclass from Messi. Despite conceding within the opening minutes, the MLS side quickly recovered and seized control before halftime. David Rodríguez handed the Mexican club an early advantage after just four minutes, briefly silencing the home crowd. The response, however, came almost immediately, as Messi equalized in the 11th minute with a composed finish after being found by his teammates in space. The comeback continued midway through the first half when Telasco Segovia completed the turnaround, giving Inter Miami a deserved lead. Messi then struck again shortly before halftime, before defender Micael added a fourth goal in stoppage time, putting the match well beyond Atletico San Luis before the interval. Although Rafa Llorente reduced the deficit during the second half, Inter Miami comfortably protected its advantage to secure all three points. The victory also extended the club’s unbeaten run and immediately established it among the tournament favorites. Messi reaches another historic milestone The two goals did far more than secure victory for Inter Miami. Messi’s brace officially made him the Leagues Cup‘s all-time leading goalscorer, taking his tally to 14 goals in just 12 appearances. Entering the night, the Argentine was level with LAFC forward Denis Bouanga, but his first-half double moved him into first place on his own. Later in the evening, Bouanga also found the net to draw level again on 14 goals, but the Argentine superstar did it in fewer games. RankPlayerTeamGoalsAppsGoals per Game1.Lionel MessiInter Miami CF14121.172.Denis BouangaLAFC14131.083.Bongokuhle HlongwaneMinnesota United9100.904.Diego RossiColumbus Crew / Monterrey890.895.Tai BariboPhiladelphia Union771.00 The milestone continues a remarkable run since Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023. His arrival transformed the club’s fortunes almost immediately, leading it to its first Leagues Cup title before guiding it back to another deep run in subsequent editions.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Luis Suarez, and Karim Benzema enter a new season chasing history as one of soccer's greatest individual battles continues to unfold across the world. Cristiano Ronaldo is heading into another season with Al-Nassr, knowing that history is within touching distance. At the same time, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Luis Suarez, and Karim Benzema remain among the legendary forwards chasing the very same milestone, ensuring that one of soccer’s greatest individual races will continue across multiple leagues this year. The battle has become one of the defining stories of modern soccer, with several of the game’s most decorated strikers continuing to deliver goals well into the later stages of their careers. While their paths have taken them to different clubs and competitions, they all remain connected by the possibility of achieving a feat no player has ever managed before. The mystery surrounding Ronaldo’s next campaign centers on a chance to become the first player in official soccer history to reach 1,000 career goals. The Portuguese superstar currently sits on 976 official goals, leaving him just 24 strikes away from the unprecedented milestone. That target suddenly appears realistic considering Ronaldo’s remarkable consistency throughout his career. Even at 41 years old, he continues to score regularly for Al-Nassr and remains one of the Saudi Pro League‘s biggest attractions heading into the new season. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Reaching four digits would add another extraordinary achievement to a career already filled with records. Ronaldo has collected five UEFA Champions League titles, the UEFA Euro 2016 trophy, multiple domestic league championships in England, Spain and Italy, and remains international soccer’s all-time leading goalscorer for Portugal. Messi remains Ronaldo’s closest challenger Although Ronaldo leads the race, Lionel Messi continues to apply pressure from Inter Miami. The Argentine icon currently owns 921 official career goals, meaning he requires 79 more to join the exclusive four-digit club. Messi’s season is already underway in Major League Soccer, giving him additional opportunities to reduce Ronaldo’s advantage before Al-Nassr begins its Saudi Pro League campaign on August 15. Every appearance gives the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner another chance to edge closer to the historic landmark. His résumé remains unmatched in many areas of the game, featuring eight Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League crowns, ten La Liga titles, two Copa América triumphs, and two FIFA World Cup victories. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF lifts the Champion’s trophy after winning the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Final Lewandowski continues remarkable scoring form Robert Lewandowski also remains firmly in the conversation despite sitting further behind the two long-time rivals. The Polish striker has reached 728 official career goals and recently enjoyed an impressive start to life with Charlotte, scoring twice in his MLS debut. The veteran forward has built his reputation through relentless consistency rather than spectacular moments alone. His scoring record across Germany, Spain, and now North America demonstrates why he remains one of soccer’s greatest finishers. Lewandowski’s honors include ten Bundesliga titles, one Champions League trophy, multiple European Golden Shoes, two La Liga championships, and two FIFA Best Men’s Player awards. Suarez still finding the net Luis Suarez may be approaching the closing stages of his career, but the Uruguayan striker continues to prove he remains a dangerous finisher. He currently owns 600 official career goals after recently adding another for Inter Miami. Playing alongside Messi once again has allowed Suarez to continue contributing at the highest level in North America. While the 1,000-goal target appears far more distant for him, his longevity continues to impress. His career in
Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup after his campaign in the 2026 World Cup in Inter Miami's debut in the 2026 Leagues Cup against Atletico San Luis. Inter Miami opened its 2026 Leagues Cup campaign against Atletico San Luis on Wednesday, August 5, at Nu Stadium. Although the Mexican side grabbed an early lead, Lionel Messi answered back with his first two goals since the 2026 World Cup to turn the score around in South Florida. After making his return to action as a substitute against the Columbus Crew over the weekend, Messi rejoined Guillermo Hoyos’ starting lineup for the midweek fixture. David Rodriguez stunned the home crowd by heading in a fourth-minute opener, but the early deficit sparked the Herons, particularly Messi, into an immediate response. Hunting for an equalizer as Atletico San Luis sat deep in its defensive shell, Inter Miami orchestrated a crisp buildup through the midfield. Casemiro spotted Noah Allen wide on the left flank, and the defender whipped in a sharp cross to a trailing Messi, who redirected the ball past the keeper from the edge of the box in the 11th minute. Messi delivers once again. ⚽Miami's 10 opens his #LeaguesCup2026 account with his 13th goal in Leagues Cup history! 🐐Watch now @InterMiamiCF vs. @AtletideSanLuis on Apple TV 📺https://t.co/tms3b61AW0 pic.twitter.com/3lSQGXCMKv— Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) August 5, 2026 Shortly after, in the 26th minute, Telasco Segovia completed the first-half turnaround by tapping the ball into an open net following another precise delivery from Allen just before the hydration break. As the Mexican side pushed for a result, Messi appeared again to put the away side on its heels. Messi dropped into the middle of the pitch to collect a pass from Casemiro, and after a quick one-two with Yannick Bright, he opened the play wide to Allen. Once again, the defender delivered a pinpoint cross for Messi as he crashed the box, taking a quick touch before finishing calmly to complete his first-half brace in the 44th minute. But wait, there's more! 💥Messi scores his second goal of the first half vs. San Luis 🤯 pic.twitter.com/vCmwoydGkF— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 6, 2026 The second half concluded with Messi playing a corner kick that found defender Micael inside the box to score the fourth goal for the Herons, and to add an assist for the Argentine ace. Messi takes top spot on Leagues Cup goalscoring leaderboard In his 2023 debut campaign with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi made an immediate impact by scoring 10 goals during his first Leagues Cup appearance to lead the Herons to the title. Following back-to-back seasons interrupted by injuries, Messi marked his return to the tournament by surging to the top of the competition’s all-time scoring charts. With his first-half brace, Messi brought his total to 14 goals in 12 all-time Leagues Cup matches, surpassing LAFC’s Denis Bouanga (13) to become the single highest goalscorer in tournament history. Minnesota United’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Philadelphia Union’s Tai Baribo, and former Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez remain tied for third on the all-time list with seven goals apiece.
Inter Miami face Atletico San Luis in their 2026 Leagues Cup debut, and many are wondering whether Lionel Messi will be available for this match. Inter Miami open their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign on Wednesday, August 5, hosting Atletico San Luis at Nu Stadium, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The Herons arrive unbeaten in their last seven MLS matches, while San Luis is still searching for its first win of the Apertura 2026 in Liga MX. For this crucial game, Lionel Messi will start. The Argentine returned from the World Cup off the bench in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew last weekend, and coach Guillermo Hoyos will now hand him his first start since the tournament, alongside Rodrigo De Paul, who is also in the lineup after working his way back from international duty. Hoyos will have to make do without two key attacking pieces for the opener. Luis Suárez is unavailable for the entire tournament, serving the first match of a six-game Leagues Cup suspension stemming from his conduct in last year’s final against Seattle Sounders. Germán Berterame is also out, still recovering from the hard collision he suffered against CF Montreal that required an overnight hospital stay, leaving Mateo Silvetti as the likely option to partner Messi up front. Es hoy. Vamos Miami. 😤⚔️ #MIAvASL pic.twitter.com/7u1HpUfhIz— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 5, 2026 Inter Miami confirmed lineup With Suárez, Berterame and also Tadeo Allende, who is recovering from knee surgery, ruled out for this match, Hoyos will feature a very different attack, but with Messi as starter. This is Miami’s confirmed starting XI: Ríos-Novo; Caicedo, Fray, Silva, Allen; Bright, Casemiro, De Paul, Segovia; Messi, Pinter. Atletico San Luis confirmed lineup Atletico San Luis arrive in a very different moment. The Mexican side has yet to find its footing in the Apertura, and this Leagues Cup opener gives them a chance to salvage some momentum against a strong Miami side. This is San Luis’ confirmed starting XI: Sánchez; Bambu, Álvarez, Águila; Torres, Salles-Lamonge, Macías, Esteves; Rodríguez, Flores, Llorente.
Inter Miami begin their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign against Atletico San Luis, where Luis Suarez won't be available for this match. Luis Suarez will be watching from the sidelines as Inter Miami open their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign against Atletico San Luis on Wednesday. The Uruguayan striker is serving a six-match suspension in the competition, ruling him out for the tournament’s entire duration, including this opener at Nu Stadium. The ban traces back to the chaotic scenes that followed Inter Miami‘s 3-0 defeat to Seattle Sounders in the 2025 Leagues Cup final. In the aftermath of that loss, Suarez was caught spitting at a member of the Sounders’ coaching staff during a post-match brawl near midfield. Days later, the Leagues Cup disciplinary committee handed down its punishment: a six-match ban for Suarez, along with lesser suspensions for teammates Tomas Aviles and Sergio Busquets. That means Suarez, despite being in excellent form for Inter Miami in MLS play this season, simply is not an option for head coach Guillermo Hoyos as the club begins its title chase in the competition. He remains available for MLS matches, but the Leagues Cup ban applies strictly to this tournament, keeping him out of every fixture Inter Miami play in it. Luis Suarez celebrates a goal for Inter Miami. (Getty Images) Inter Miami’s forward crisis for the Leagues Cup opener Suarez’s absence leaves Hoyos short-handed up front, and he isn’t the only forward missing out. German Berterame is also unavailable, still recovering from the hard collision he suffered against CF Montreal that required an overnight hospital stay, while Tadeo Allende remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from knee surgery undergone back in May. With three of Inter Miami’s attacking options unavailable in one stretch, Hoyos is expected to lean on Mateo Silvetti alongside Lionel Messi to carry the attack against San Luis, a considerably thinner frontline than the one that has powered the club’s recent MLS form.
Inter Miami are preparing for their 2026 Leagues Cup debut, and forward Luis Suarez won't be able to be part of any match with his team. Luis Suarez will not be involved when Inter Miami open their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign at home against San Luis on Wednesday, and in fact, he will not feature at any point in the competition. The Uruguayan striker is serving a six-match Leagues Cup suspension, a ban issued after a spitting incident that followed Inter Miami‘s defeat to Seattle Sounders in the 2025 final. The suspension stems from an ugly scene that unfolded after the final whistle of the 2025 Leagues Cup final, which the Herons lost 3-0. As tempers flared in a post-match brawl near midfield that saw players shoving and grabbing, Suarez approached a member of the Sounders’ staff — later identified as the club’s head of security — and spat in his face. The Leagues Cup disciplinary committee came down hard days later, banning Suarez for six matches in the competition alongside lesser suspensions for teammates Tomas Aviles and Sergio Busquets. ¡LUCHO SUÁREZ ESCUPIÓ A UN INTEGRANTE DEL CUERPO TÉCNICO DE SEATTLE SOUNDERS!📹 @LeaguesCup | #LeaguesCup2025 on Apple pic.twitter.com/OZXwgBVeYH— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) September 1, 2025 Suarez is enjoying a great streak The timing makes the absence sting even more, since Suarez is enjoying one of his best stretches with the club. He has scored in four consecutive matches, racking up seven goals over that span, and has been directly involved in a goal or assist in each of Inter Miami’s three games since the World Cup break. His latest outing came in the 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew, when he opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a strike from near midfield and later set up Inter Miami’s stoppage-time equalizer. That performance earned Suarez his fourth straight nod to the MLS Team of the Matchday, and it also pushed his season tally to 12 goals and two assists through 14 regular-season appearances, putting him in the mix for the league’s Golden Boot race. Inter Miami’s attack for the Leagues Cup Suarez’s absence leaves head coach Guillermo Hoyos with a thin frontline to work with heading into the tournament. Compounding the issue, German Berterame will also be unavailable, at least for the opener, after suffering a hard collision during Inter Miami’s match against CF Montreal. While Hoyos has given encouraging updates on his recovery, no firm return date has been set. Adding to the crunch, Tadeo Allende is not an option either. The forward underwent arthroscopy on his right knee back in May 2026, and while he has been working his way back, he was still absent when Inter Miami resumed training, leaving his availability for the Leagues Cup opener ruled out. With Suárez, Berterame and Allende all sidelined, Hoyos is expected to build his attack around Lionel Messi, who is set to start after coming off the bench in his first match back from the World Cup, alongside options like Mateo Silvetti and Daniel Pinter up front, giving Inter Miami a very different look than the one that has powered their MLS form in recent weeks.
Lionel Messi will be present for Inter Miami's Leagues Cup debut, following confirmation from coach Guillermo Hoyos. Lionel Messi is set to be involved from the start as Inter Miami open their Leagues Cup campaign at home against San Luis on Wednesday, with head coach Guillermo Hoyos confirming the Argentine captain is fully available following his return from international duty at the 2026 World Cup. Messi already made his comeback for Inter Miami on August 2, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew, a match in which he twice went close but could not find the net. That appearance was largely about managing his return to action after the tournament, but Hoyos is now expected to hand him a starting role for Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup opener, lining him up alongside Rodrigo De Paul. Speaking in a press conference, Hoyos addressed the state of his squad ahead of the tournament. “Everyone is available. Obviously (German) Berterame still isn’t. We now have more or less the recovery of all the players, and that’s very important,” the coach said. One last tune-up. 🔥👊 #MIAvASL pic.twitter.com/dQGzY2TIyN— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 4, 2026 Heavy absences up front for Miami As Hoyos already noted, German Berterame will not be part of Miami’s Leagues Cup debut. The Mexican forward is still recovering from a left shoulder and nose injury sustained in a hard collision during a match against CF Montreal, which required an overnight hospital stay before he was discharged. While Inter Miami have not set a firm return date, Hoyos gave an encouraging update, saying Berterame is “spectacularly well” and hinting the forward could be back on the field before long. Things look far less promising for Luis Suarez, who will be unavailable for the entire tournament. The Uruguayan is serving a six-match Leagues Cup suspension handed down after a spitting incident following Inter Miami’s 2025 final defeat to Seattle Sounders, ruling him out of the whole 2026 edition. With Hoyos forced to navigate at least the Leagues Cup opener without Berterame and Suarez, Tadeo Allende will not be an option either. The forward successfully underwent arthroscopy on his right knee in May 2026 and remains in recovery. With so many absences up front, the coach is likely to pair Messi with Mateo Silvetti in attack for the Herons.
With Inter Miami's debut in the Leagues Cup 2026 just around the corner, Lionel Messi won't be able to count with Luis Suarez or Germand Berterame up front. Lionel Messi is set to launch another Leagues Cup campaign, returning to the tournament that yielded his very first trophy with Inter Miami back in 2023. However, for Wednesday’s opener against Mexican side Atletico de San Luis, the South Florida club will be shorthanded up front, missing key attack partners Luis Suarez and German Berterame. Inter Miami hosts Atletico de San Luis on Wednesday, August 5, at Nu Stadium for Matchday 1 of the 2026 Leagues Cup group stage, followed by fixtures against CF Monterrey on the 8th and Club Leon on the 12th. However, Suarez is expected to miss the entirety of the tournament, even if the Herons make a run back to the final. The veteran Uruguayan striker is serving a six-game tournament ban resulting from a postgame altercation in the 2025 Leagues Cup final. Following Miami’s 3-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders, Suarez clashed with opposing staff and spat on Sounders security chief Gene Ramirez, drawing a severe tournament suspension alongside a three-match MLS ban he already served. Following Saturday’s match against the Columbus Crew, head coach Guillermo Hoyos lamented the striker’s absence despite his scorching form: “It’s a shame because Luis’s level is very high, and he doesn’t just help us with goals, but with assists and hard work too. Just like with the world’s great players, you are going to miss him—he is irreplaceable and those gaps often can’t be filled.“ Luis Suarez of Inter Miami celebrating with German Berterame and Lionel Messi. (Mark Blinch/Getty Images) Berterame still recovering from head injury In Berterame’s case, the forward will also sit out Wednesday’s opener as he remains in the club’s medical protocol following a head injury suffered nearly two weeks ago against CF Montréal. Although he has returned to light training with Inter Miami, he has yet to receive full medical clearance, having already sat out Saturday’s draw against Columbus. During Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, Hoyos offered an update on the forward’s recovery progress. “Berte is doing well, I would say spectacularly well, and we are waiting out the required days for the medical clearance to be cleared up. Let the days pass, and I believe Berte will soon be back on the pitch, which will bring us great joy, not just as a player, but as a human being,” the Argentine boss added. Who will replace Suarez and Berterame up front? The double absence creates a tactical dilemma for Inter Miami, especially with Suarez having notched seven goals over his last four MLS outings. With Berterame out and Tadeo Allende also sidelined, Messi faces a reshuffled supporting cast in the attacking third. Hoyos is expected to stick with his reliable 4-3-3 formation, which has underpinned Inter Miami’s current seven-match unbeaten streak in MLS play. Lionel Messi will operate in his usual role on the right flank, while Mateo Silvetti is projected to shift centrally into the main target role, with Daniel Pinter slotting in on the left wing to complete Miami’s frontline.
Amid Inter Miami's ongoing investigations over tampering, LA Galaxy GM Will Kuntz stated that "Casemiro 'only wanted to play for the Galaxy." Casemiro’s signing with Inter Miami generated as much controversy as it did headline buzz, with MLS opening a formal investigation into the player’s Discovery Rights following tampering allegations against the Florida club. LA Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz has now broken the silence, revealing that before the midfielder expressed a desire to join the Herons, “Casemiro only wanted to play for the Galaxy.“ When Casemiro was unveiled as Inter Miami‘s newest addition, MLS released a statement confirming a tampering investigation into the South Florida club. ESPN confirmed that the Galaxy filed the grievance because the Western Conference club held Casemiro’s Discovery Rights, alleging that Miami initiated unauthorized contract talks with the Brazilian star anyway. During Casemiro’s introductory press conference, Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas addressed the allegations and denied any rule violations: “In this case, the executives at Inter Miami, especially Alberto Marrero, respected the letter of the MLS law regarding the Discovery List. We did not enter talks until we settled with the LA Galaxy. We abided; we did not enter negotiations with Casemiro or his reps without talking to the Galaxy and the league until given the green light“. While emphasizing that the Discovery List remains confidential (making it impossible to know beforehand if the Galaxy held his rights), Mas defended his front office’s actions. “If the Galaxy made a bona fide offer, that team retained the rights to Casemiro. In that case, there is a negotiation between clubs where the league gets involved…Supposedly, we violated the rule while we were negotiating with the Galaxy. There was an accusation made, which we did not tamper whatsoever,” Mas added. Jorge Mas, managing owner of Inter Miami CF, and Casemiro speak to the media. Casemiro also acknowledged speaking directly with the Galaxy, stating he made his preference for Miami clear due to personal ties to the city. “When I spoke to them (the Galaxy), I made it very clear which team I wanted to join in MLS, and that is Inter Miami because of the project, the ambition, and of course to play alongside the greatest player of all time,” the midfielder noted. LA Galaxy disputes timeline of Casemiro’s stance Left without the star midfielder, the Galaxy front office pushed back publicly regarding the timeline of events. On Saturday, following a scoreless draw against FC Dallas, General Manager Will Kuntz met with media members to address ongoing club business, with the Inter Miami tampering dispute taking center stage. In comments captured by The Galactic Tribune’s Alex Ruiz, Kuntz offered a pointed rebuttal: “Look, I know there’s been a few things said. The league is going to release their findings. It’s true that Casemiro called and said that he always wanted to play at Inter Miami. It’s also true that came two months after he told us that he only wanted to play for the Galaxy. So I think, do with that what you will.” What lies ahead in the MLS tampering investigation? Two weeks have passed since MLS launched its probe into Casemiro’s transfer to Inter Miami, though the league has yet to release its official findings or ruling. “The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete,” MLS stated in its initial release. In the meantime, Casemiro has featured in Inter Miami’s last two fixtures against CF Montreal and the Columbus Crew, starting both matches (and accidentally scoring an own goal in the latter). He is expected to remain in the starting XI for upcoming Leagues Cup matches while the league’s review, along with any potential sanctions against Inter Miami or the player, remains pending.
Inter Miami are reportedly looking to pair up Kevin De Bruyne with Lionel Messi, while some other MLS clubs are also monitoring the Belgian's potential signing. Lionel Messi received a massive boost during the 2026 summer transfer window when Brazilian powerhouse Casemiro signed on to anchor Inter Miami‘s midfield. Now, a marquee target has resurfaced, with reports indicating the South Florida franchise wants to pair Kevin De Bruyne alongside Messi despite growing competition across Major League Soccer. According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, De Bruyne could be granted an exit route from Napoli during the current transfer window. Following a Scudetto-winning campaign in his debut season, the 2025-26 stretch proved challenging for the Belgian playmaker, who missed significant time between late October and late February due to a leg flexor injury. A transfer during the current window represents Napoli’s cleanest path to securing a return on investment for De Bruyne, whose deal with the Italian side runs through June 2027. Under those terms, Mundo Deportivo reports that Inter Miami remains eager to pair the midfield maestro with Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul. Back in June 2025, both Inter Miami and expansion side San Diego FC submitted inquiries regarding a potential move to MLS, a destination that remains attractive to the player. While De Bruyne chose to remain in Europe at the time, the 35-year-old coming off his final World Cup run in 2026 is increasingly open to a North American transition. Kevin De Bruyne #7 of Belgium applauds fans after the elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Inter Miami faces domestic competition for De Bruyne Sharing the pitch with Messi has emerged as Inter Miami’s ultimate recruitment tool, appealing to former Barcelona teammates like Suarez, international colleagues like De Paul, and former rivals like Sergio Reguilón and Casemiro. However, with all Designated Player spots currently occupied and General Allocation Money (GAM) capped, rival clubs are positioning themselves to swoop in. Mundo Deportivo reports that the Chicago Fire and San Diego FC are actively monitoring De Bruyne’s availability. Chicago holds an open Designated Player slot following the departure of leading scorer Hugo Cuypers, while San Diego could open a slot through a potential departure of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, giving both clubs a roster flexibility advantage over Miami. Inter Miami holds crucial regulatory edge Speculation surrounding De Bruyne intensified following reports from The Athletic that MLS owners are pushing for roster rule modifications, specifically moving toward a more flexible salary structure. While structural rule changes won’t offer immediate relief, the Herons still possess a major leverage point over their domestic rivals. Inter Miami currently controls De Bruyne’s MLS Discovery Rights, positioning the club to lead any negotiations should the Belgian decide to make the move stateside. Miami filed for those rights following his departure from Manchester City, meaning both Chicago and San Diego would have to trade for those rights with South Florida before making a formal contract offer to the player.
Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos explained how Lionel Messi was able to return to the MLS in less than two weeks from the 2026 World Cup final. Lionel Messi has officially returned to the pitch for Inter Miami following Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Less than two weeks after squaring off against Spain, head coach Guillermo Hoyos shed light on the driving forces behind the superstar’s MLS rapid turn-around. Following the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, Messi took a brief vacation before reporting back to Inter Miami’s Fort Lauderdale training facility on Wednesday. With only a couple of team sessions under his belt, the legendary forward suited up to aid the Herons in their ongoing quest for MLS hardware. On Saturday, Aug. 1, Inter Miami hosted the Columbus Crew. Rather than watching from a luxury box as originally expected, Messi was named to the matchday squad as a substitute. The captain entered in the 53rd minute and made an immediate impact, firing four shots (one on target), though the Herons ultimately settled for a 2-2 draw after Columbus midfielder Brais Mendez scored an 84th-minute equalizer. In his postgame press conference, Hoyos praised the dedication of his squad, singling out international stars Messi and Rodrigo De Paul: “I want to thank all the players for the effort they put in. I especially want to thank Leo and Rodri for traveling and showing up so soon after the World Cup. That was very important. This is a difficult, competitive league. We were winning in the 86th minute and wanted three points, but ended up with one. The game escaped us in the final minutes.“ Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball against the Columbus Crew. Hoyos on what drove Messi’s accelerated return Despite turning 39 during the 2026 World Cup, Messi defied expectations by making his return to competitive play in less than a fortnight. Instead of waiting for the club’s upcoming Leagues Cup debut, the Argentine legend insisted on getting match minutes under his belt against Columbus. When asked how Messi managed to stay fit and return so quickly, Hoyos offered a simple explanation: “Love for the game. The feeling towards a team as well. He is a football player, and when we are football players, we never leave football behind. Today I am a manager, but I will never stop being a football player. It is a very strong feeling.“ Hoyos’ sentiment aligns with Messi’s actions during his abbreviated time off. While resting in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, the star was spotted supporting Leones FC (the fourth-division club presided over by his brother, Matias) proving that even during his downtime, soccer remains front and center. Inter Miami now shifts its focus to the 2026 Leagues Cup, opening tournament play against Mexican side Atletico San Luis on Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Nu Stadium. Following his cameo against the Crew, Messi’s participation is all but guaranteed.
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The Argentine superstar once again proved why he remains one of the game's defining figures, producing a decisive display that further strengthened his remarkable legacy while helping his club begin the tournament perfectly. Lionel Messi delivered another unforgettable performance as Inter Miami opened its 2026 Leagues Cup campaign with an impressive victory, adding yet another milestone to his extraordinary career. The Argentine superstar once again proved why he remains one of the game’s defining figures, producing a decisive display that further strengthened his remarkable legacy while helping his club begin the tournament perfectly. The latest achievement adds to an already glittering resume that spans nearly two decades, but this one carried special significance in a competition that has become increasingly important across North America. By the final whistle, Messi had once again placed himself at the center of the soccer conversation after another night where his quality made the difference. Inter Miami opens with statement victory Inter Miami kicked off its Leagues Cup journey by defeating Atletico San Luis 4-2 in an entertaining contest that featured six goals, dramatic momentum swings, and another masterclass from Messi. Despite conceding within the opening minutes, the MLS side quickly recovered and seized control before halftime. David Rodríguez handed the Mexican club an early advantage after just four minutes, briefly silencing the home crowd. The response, however, came almost immediately, as Messi equalized in the 11th minute with a composed finish after being found by his teammates in space. The comeback continued midway through the first half when Telasco Segovia completed the turnaround, giving Inter Miami a deserved lead. Messi then struck again shortly before halftime, before defender Micael added a fourth goal in stoppage time, putting the match well beyond Atletico San Luis before the interval. Although Rafa Llorente reduced the deficit during the second half, Inter Miami comfortably protected its advantage to secure all three points. The victory also extended the club’s unbeaten run and immediately established it among the tournament favorites. Messi reaches another historic milestone The two goals did far more than secure victory for Inter Miami. Messi’s brace officially made him the Leagues Cup‘s all-time leading goalscorer, taking his tally to 14 goals in just 12 appearances. Entering the night, the Argentine was level with LAFC forward Denis Bouanga, but his first-half double moved him into first place on his own. Later in the evening, Bouanga also found the net to draw level again on 14 goals, but the Argentine superstar did it in fewer games. RankPlayerTeamGoalsAppsGoals per Game1.Lionel MessiInter Miami CF14121.172.Denis BouangaLAFC14131.083.Bongokuhle HlongwaneMinnesota United9100.904.Diego RossiColumbus Crew / Monterrey890.895.Tai BariboPhiladelphia Union771.00 The milestone continues a remarkable run since Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023. His arrival transformed the club’s fortunes almost immediately, leading it to its first Leagues Cup title before guiding it back to another deep run in subsequent editions.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Luis Suarez, and Karim Benzema enter a new season chasing history as one of soccer's greatest individual battles continues to unfold across the world. Cristiano Ronaldo is heading into another season with Al-Nassr, knowing that history is within touching distance. At the same time, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Luis Suarez, and Karim Benzema remain among the legendary forwards chasing the very same milestone, ensuring that one of soccer’s greatest individual races will continue across multiple leagues this year. The battle has become one of the defining stories of modern soccer, with several of the game’s most decorated strikers continuing to deliver goals well into the later stages of their careers. While their paths have taken them to different clubs and competitions, they all remain connected by the possibility of achieving a feat no player has ever managed before. The mystery surrounding Ronaldo’s next campaign centers on a chance to become the first player in official soccer history to reach 1,000 career goals. The Portuguese superstar currently sits on 976 official goals, leaving him just 24 strikes away from the unprecedented milestone. That target suddenly appears realistic considering Ronaldo’s remarkable consistency throughout his career. Even at 41 years old, he continues to score regularly for Al-Nassr and remains one of the Saudi Pro League‘s biggest attractions heading into the new season. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Reaching four digits would add another extraordinary achievement to a career already filled with records. Ronaldo has collected five UEFA Champions League titles, the UEFA Euro 2016 trophy, multiple domestic league championships in England, Spain and Italy, and remains international soccer’s all-time leading goalscorer for Portugal. Messi remains Ronaldo’s closest challenger Although Ronaldo leads the race, Lionel Messi continues to apply pressure from Inter Miami. The Argentine icon currently owns 921 official career goals, meaning he requires 79 more to join the exclusive four-digit club. Messi’s season is already underway in Major League Soccer, giving him additional opportunities to reduce Ronaldo’s advantage before Al-Nassr begins its Saudi Pro League campaign on August 15. Every appearance gives the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner another chance to edge closer to the historic landmark. His résumé remains unmatched in many areas of the game, featuring eight Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League crowns, ten La Liga titles, two Copa América triumphs, and two FIFA World Cup victories. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF lifts the Champion’s trophy after winning the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Final Lewandowski continues remarkable scoring form Robert Lewandowski also remains firmly in the conversation despite sitting further behind the two long-time rivals. The Polish striker has reached 728 official career goals and recently enjoyed an impressive start to life with Charlotte, scoring twice in his MLS debut. The veteran forward has built his reputation through relentless consistency rather than spectacular moments alone. His scoring record across Germany, Spain, and now North America demonstrates why he remains one of soccer’s greatest finishers. Lewandowski’s honors include ten Bundesliga titles, one Champions League trophy, multiple European Golden Shoes, two La Liga championships, and two FIFA Best Men’s Player awards. Suarez still finding the net Luis Suarez may be approaching the closing stages of his career, but the Uruguayan striker continues to prove he remains a dangerous finisher. He currently owns 600 official career goals after recently adding another for Inter Miami. Playing alongside Messi once again has allowed Suarez to continue contributing at the highest level in North America. While the 1,000-goal target appears far more distant for him, his longevity continues to impress. His career in
Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup after his campaign in the 2026 World Cup in Inter Miami's debut in the 2026 Leagues Cup against Atletico San Luis. Inter Miami opened its 2026 Leagues Cup campaign against Atletico San Luis on Wednesday, August 5, at Nu Stadium. Although the Mexican side grabbed an early lead, Lionel Messi answered back with his first two goals since the 2026 World Cup to turn the score around in South Florida. After making his return to action as a substitute against the Columbus Crew over the weekend, Messi rejoined Guillermo Hoyos’ starting lineup for the midweek fixture. David Rodriguez stunned the home crowd by heading in a fourth-minute opener, but the early deficit sparked the Herons, particularly Messi, into an immediate response. Hunting for an equalizer as Atletico San Luis sat deep in its defensive shell, Inter Miami orchestrated a crisp buildup through the midfield. Casemiro spotted Noah Allen wide on the left flank, and the defender whipped in a sharp cross to a trailing Messi, who redirected the ball past the keeper from the edge of the box in the 11th minute. Messi delivers once again. ⚽Miami's 10 opens his #LeaguesCup2026 account with his 13th goal in Leagues Cup history! 🐐Watch now @InterMiamiCF vs. @AtletideSanLuis on Apple TV 📺https://t.co/tms3b61AW0 pic.twitter.com/3lSQGXCMKv— Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) August 5, 2026 Shortly after, in the 26th minute, Telasco Segovia completed the first-half turnaround by tapping the ball into an open net following another precise delivery from Allen just before the hydration break. As the Mexican side pushed for a result, Messi appeared again to put the away side on its heels. Messi dropped into the middle of the pitch to collect a pass from Casemiro, and after a quick one-two with Yannick Bright, he opened the play wide to Allen. Once again, the defender delivered a pinpoint cross for Messi as he crashed the box, taking a quick touch before finishing calmly to complete his first-half brace in the 44th minute. But wait, there's more! 💥Messi scores his second goal of the first half vs. San Luis 🤯 pic.twitter.com/vCmwoydGkF— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 6, 2026 The second half concluded with Messi playing a corner kick that found defender Micael inside the box to score the fourth goal for the Herons, and to add an assist for the Argentine ace. Messi takes top spot on Leagues Cup goalscoring leaderboard In his 2023 debut campaign with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi made an immediate impact by scoring 10 goals during his first Leagues Cup appearance to lead the Herons to the title. Following back-to-back seasons interrupted by injuries, Messi marked his return to the tournament by surging to the top of the competition’s all-time scoring charts. With his first-half brace, Messi brought his total to 14 goals in 12 all-time Leagues Cup matches, surpassing LAFC’s Denis Bouanga (13) to become the single highest goalscorer in tournament history. Minnesota United’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Philadelphia Union’s Tai Baribo, and former Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernandez remain tied for third on the all-time list with seven goals apiece.
Inter Miami face Atletico San Luis in their 2026 Leagues Cup debut, and many are wondering whether Lionel Messi will be available for this match. Inter Miami open their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign on Wednesday, August 5, hosting Atletico San Luis at Nu Stadium, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The Herons arrive unbeaten in their last seven MLS matches, while San Luis is still searching for its first win of the Apertura 2026 in Liga MX. For this crucial game, Lionel Messi will start. The Argentine returned from the World Cup off the bench in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew last weekend, and coach Guillermo Hoyos will now hand him his first start since the tournament, alongside Rodrigo De Paul, who is also in the lineup after working his way back from international duty. Hoyos will have to make do without two key attacking pieces for the opener. Luis Suárez is unavailable for the entire tournament, serving the first match of a six-game Leagues Cup suspension stemming from his conduct in last year’s final against Seattle Sounders. Germán Berterame is also out, still recovering from the hard collision he suffered against CF Montreal that required an overnight hospital stay, leaving Mateo Silvetti as the likely option to partner Messi up front. Es hoy. Vamos Miami. 😤⚔️ #MIAvASL pic.twitter.com/7u1HpUfhIz— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 5, 2026 Inter Miami confirmed lineup With Suárez, Berterame and also Tadeo Allende, who is recovering from knee surgery, ruled out for this match, Hoyos will feature a very different attack, but with Messi as starter. This is Miami’s confirmed starting XI: Ríos-Novo; Caicedo, Fray, Silva, Allen; Bright, Casemiro, De Paul, Segovia; Messi, Pinter. Atletico San Luis confirmed lineup Atletico San Luis arrive in a very different moment. The Mexican side has yet to find its footing in the Apertura, and this Leagues Cup opener gives them a chance to salvage some momentum against a strong Miami side. This is San Luis’ confirmed starting XI: Sánchez; Bambu, Álvarez, Águila; Torres, Salles-Lamonge, Macías, Esteves; Rodríguez, Flores, Llorente.
Inter Miami begin their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign against Atletico San Luis, where Luis Suarez won't be available for this match. Luis Suarez will be watching from the sidelines as Inter Miami open their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign against Atletico San Luis on Wednesday. The Uruguayan striker is serving a six-match suspension in the competition, ruling him out for the tournament’s entire duration, including this opener at Nu Stadium. The ban traces back to the chaotic scenes that followed Inter Miami‘s 3-0 defeat to Seattle Sounders in the 2025 Leagues Cup final. In the aftermath of that loss, Suarez was caught spitting at a member of the Sounders’ coaching staff during a post-match brawl near midfield. Days later, the Leagues Cup disciplinary committee handed down its punishment: a six-match ban for Suarez, along with lesser suspensions for teammates Tomas Aviles and Sergio Busquets. That means Suarez, despite being in excellent form for Inter Miami in MLS play this season, simply is not an option for head coach Guillermo Hoyos as the club begins its title chase in the competition. He remains available for MLS matches, but the Leagues Cup ban applies strictly to this tournament, keeping him out of every fixture Inter Miami play in it. Luis Suarez celebrates a goal for Inter Miami. (Getty Images) Inter Miami’s forward crisis for the Leagues Cup opener Suarez’s absence leaves Hoyos short-handed up front, and he isn’t the only forward missing out. German Berterame is also unavailable, still recovering from the hard collision he suffered against CF Montreal that required an overnight hospital stay, while Tadeo Allende remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from knee surgery undergone back in May. With three of Inter Miami’s attacking options unavailable in one stretch, Hoyos is expected to lean on Mateo Silvetti alongside Lionel Messi to carry the attack against San Luis, a considerably thinner frontline than the one that has powered the club’s recent MLS form.
Inter Miami are preparing for their 2026 Leagues Cup debut, and forward Luis Suarez won't be able to be part of any match with his team. Luis Suarez will not be involved when Inter Miami open their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign at home against San Luis on Wednesday, and in fact, he will not feature at any point in the competition. The Uruguayan striker is serving a six-match Leagues Cup suspension, a ban issued after a spitting incident that followed Inter Miami‘s defeat to Seattle Sounders in the 2025 final. The suspension stems from an ugly scene that unfolded after the final whistle of the 2025 Leagues Cup final, which the Herons lost 3-0. As tempers flared in a post-match brawl near midfield that saw players shoving and grabbing, Suarez approached a member of the Sounders’ staff — later identified as the club’s head of security — and spat in his face. The Leagues Cup disciplinary committee came down hard days later, banning Suarez for six matches in the competition alongside lesser suspensions for teammates Tomas Aviles and Sergio Busquets. ¡LUCHO SUÁREZ ESCUPIÓ A UN INTEGRANTE DEL CUERPO TÉCNICO DE SEATTLE SOUNDERS!📹 @LeaguesCup | #LeaguesCup2025 on Apple pic.twitter.com/OZXwgBVeYH— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) September 1, 2025 Suarez is enjoying a great streak The timing makes the absence sting even more, since Suarez is enjoying one of his best stretches with the club. He has scored in four consecutive matches, racking up seven goals over that span, and has been directly involved in a goal or assist in each of Inter Miami’s three games since the World Cup break. His latest outing came in the 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew, when he opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a strike from near midfield and later set up Inter Miami’s stoppage-time equalizer. That performance earned Suarez his fourth straight nod to the MLS Team of the Matchday, and it also pushed his season tally to 12 goals and two assists through 14 regular-season appearances, putting him in the mix for the league’s Golden Boot race. Inter Miami’s attack for the Leagues Cup Suarez’s absence leaves head coach Guillermo Hoyos with a thin frontline to work with heading into the tournament. Compounding the issue, German Berterame will also be unavailable, at least for the opener, after suffering a hard collision during Inter Miami’s match against CF Montreal. While Hoyos has given encouraging updates on his recovery, no firm return date has been set. Adding to the crunch, Tadeo Allende is not an option either. The forward underwent arthroscopy on his right knee back in May 2026, and while he has been working his way back, he was still absent when Inter Miami resumed training, leaving his availability for the Leagues Cup opener ruled out. With Suárez, Berterame and Allende all sidelined, Hoyos is expected to build his attack around Lionel Messi, who is set to start after coming off the bench in his first match back from the World Cup, alongside options like Mateo Silvetti and Daniel Pinter up front, giving Inter Miami a very different look than the one that has powered their MLS form in recent weeks.
Lionel Messi will be present for Inter Miami's Leagues Cup debut, following confirmation from coach Guillermo Hoyos. Lionel Messi is set to be involved from the start as Inter Miami open their Leagues Cup campaign at home against San Luis on Wednesday, with head coach Guillermo Hoyos confirming the Argentine captain is fully available following his return from international duty at the 2026 World Cup. Messi already made his comeback for Inter Miami on August 2, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew, a match in which he twice went close but could not find the net. That appearance was largely about managing his return to action after the tournament, but Hoyos is now expected to hand him a starting role for Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup opener, lining him up alongside Rodrigo De Paul. Speaking in a press conference, Hoyos addressed the state of his squad ahead of the tournament. “Everyone is available. Obviously (German) Berterame still isn’t. We now have more or less the recovery of all the players, and that’s very important,” the coach said. One last tune-up. 🔥👊 #MIAvASL pic.twitter.com/dQGzY2TIyN— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 4, 2026 Heavy absences up front for Miami As Hoyos already noted, German Berterame will not be part of Miami’s Leagues Cup debut. The Mexican forward is still recovering from a left shoulder and nose injury sustained in a hard collision during a match against CF Montreal, which required an overnight hospital stay before he was discharged. While Inter Miami have not set a firm return date, Hoyos gave an encouraging update, saying Berterame is “spectacularly well” and hinting the forward could be back on the field before long. Things look far less promising for Luis Suarez, who will be unavailable for the entire tournament. The Uruguayan is serving a six-match Leagues Cup suspension handed down after a spitting incident following Inter Miami’s 2025 final defeat to Seattle Sounders, ruling him out of the whole 2026 edition. With Hoyos forced to navigate at least the Leagues Cup opener without Berterame and Suarez, Tadeo Allende will not be an option either. The forward successfully underwent arthroscopy on his right knee in May 2026 and remains in recovery. With so many absences up front, the coach is likely to pair Messi with Mateo Silvetti in attack for the Herons.
With Inter Miami's debut in the Leagues Cup 2026 just around the corner, Lionel Messi won't be able to count with Luis Suarez or Germand Berterame up front. Lionel Messi is set to launch another Leagues Cup campaign, returning to the tournament that yielded his very first trophy with Inter Miami back in 2023. However, for Wednesday’s opener against Mexican side Atletico de San Luis, the South Florida club will be shorthanded up front, missing key attack partners Luis Suarez and German Berterame. Inter Miami hosts Atletico de San Luis on Wednesday, August 5, at Nu Stadium for Matchday 1 of the 2026 Leagues Cup group stage, followed by fixtures against CF Monterrey on the 8th and Club Leon on the 12th. However, Suarez is expected to miss the entirety of the tournament, even if the Herons make a run back to the final. The veteran Uruguayan striker is serving a six-game tournament ban resulting from a postgame altercation in the 2025 Leagues Cup final. Following Miami’s 3-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders, Suarez clashed with opposing staff and spat on Sounders security chief Gene Ramirez, drawing a severe tournament suspension alongside a three-match MLS ban he already served. Following Saturday’s match against the Columbus Crew, head coach Guillermo Hoyos lamented the striker’s absence despite his scorching form: “It’s a shame because Luis’s level is very high, and he doesn’t just help us with goals, but with assists and hard work too. Just like with the world’s great players, you are going to miss him—he is irreplaceable and those gaps often can’t be filled.“ Luis Suarez of Inter Miami celebrating with German Berterame and Lionel Messi. (Mark Blinch/Getty Images) Berterame still recovering from head injury In Berterame’s case, the forward will also sit out Wednesday’s opener as he remains in the club’s medical protocol following a head injury suffered nearly two weeks ago against CF Montréal. Although he has returned to light training with Inter Miami, he has yet to receive full medical clearance, having already sat out Saturday’s draw against Columbus. During Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, Hoyos offered an update on the forward’s recovery progress. “Berte is doing well, I would say spectacularly well, and we are waiting out the required days for the medical clearance to be cleared up. Let the days pass, and I believe Berte will soon be back on the pitch, which will bring us great joy, not just as a player, but as a human being,” the Argentine boss added. Who will replace Suarez and Berterame up front? The double absence creates a tactical dilemma for Inter Miami, especially with Suarez having notched seven goals over his last four MLS outings. With Berterame out and Tadeo Allende also sidelined, Messi faces a reshuffled supporting cast in the attacking third. Hoyos is expected to stick with his reliable 4-3-3 formation, which has underpinned Inter Miami’s current seven-match unbeaten streak in MLS play. Lionel Messi will operate in his usual role on the right flank, while Mateo Silvetti is projected to shift centrally into the main target role, with Daniel Pinter slotting in on the left wing to complete Miami’s frontline.
Amid Inter Miami's ongoing investigations over tampering, LA Galaxy GM Will Kuntz stated that "Casemiro 'only wanted to play for the Galaxy." Casemiro’s signing with Inter Miami generated as much controversy as it did headline buzz, with MLS opening a formal investigation into the player’s Discovery Rights following tampering allegations against the Florida club. LA Galaxy General Manager Will Kuntz has now broken the silence, revealing that before the midfielder expressed a desire to join the Herons, “Casemiro only wanted to play for the Galaxy.“ When Casemiro was unveiled as Inter Miami‘s newest addition, MLS released a statement confirming a tampering investigation into the South Florida club. ESPN confirmed that the Galaxy filed the grievance because the Western Conference club held Casemiro’s Discovery Rights, alleging that Miami initiated unauthorized contract talks with the Brazilian star anyway. During Casemiro’s introductory press conference, Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas addressed the allegations and denied any rule violations: “In this case, the executives at Inter Miami, especially Alberto Marrero, respected the letter of the MLS law regarding the Discovery List. We did not enter talks until we settled with the LA Galaxy. We abided; we did not enter negotiations with Casemiro or his reps without talking to the Galaxy and the league until given the green light“. While emphasizing that the Discovery List remains confidential (making it impossible to know beforehand if the Galaxy held his rights), Mas defended his front office’s actions. “If the Galaxy made a bona fide offer, that team retained the rights to Casemiro. In that case, there is a negotiation between clubs where the league gets involved…Supposedly, we violated the rule while we were negotiating with the Galaxy. There was an accusation made, which we did not tamper whatsoever,” Mas added. Jorge Mas, managing owner of Inter Miami CF, and Casemiro speak to the media. Casemiro also acknowledged speaking directly with the Galaxy, stating he made his preference for Miami clear due to personal ties to the city. “When I spoke to them (the Galaxy), I made it very clear which team I wanted to join in MLS, and that is Inter Miami because of the project, the ambition, and of course to play alongside the greatest player of all time,” the midfielder noted. LA Galaxy disputes timeline of Casemiro’s stance Left without the star midfielder, the Galaxy front office pushed back publicly regarding the timeline of events. On Saturday, following a scoreless draw against FC Dallas, General Manager Will Kuntz met with media members to address ongoing club business, with the Inter Miami tampering dispute taking center stage. In comments captured by The Galactic Tribune’s Alex Ruiz, Kuntz offered a pointed rebuttal: “Look, I know there’s been a few things said. The league is going to release their findings. It’s true that Casemiro called and said that he always wanted to play at Inter Miami. It’s also true that came two months after he told us that he only wanted to play for the Galaxy. So I think, do with that what you will.” What lies ahead in the MLS tampering investigation? Two weeks have passed since MLS launched its probe into Casemiro’s transfer to Inter Miami, though the league has yet to release its official findings or ruling. “The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete,” MLS stated in its initial release. In the meantime, Casemiro has featured in Inter Miami’s last two fixtures against CF Montreal and the Columbus Crew, starting both matches (and accidentally scoring an own goal in the latter). He is expected to remain in the starting XI for upcoming Leagues Cup matches while the league’s review, along with any potential sanctions against Inter Miami or the player, remains pending.
Inter Miami are reportedly looking to pair up Kevin De Bruyne with Lionel Messi, while some other MLS clubs are also monitoring the Belgian's potential signing. Lionel Messi received a massive boost during the 2026 summer transfer window when Brazilian powerhouse Casemiro signed on to anchor Inter Miami‘s midfield. Now, a marquee target has resurfaced, with reports indicating the South Florida franchise wants to pair Kevin De Bruyne alongside Messi despite growing competition across Major League Soccer. According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, De Bruyne could be granted an exit route from Napoli during the current transfer window. Following a Scudetto-winning campaign in his debut season, the 2025-26 stretch proved challenging for the Belgian playmaker, who missed significant time between late October and late February due to a leg flexor injury. A transfer during the current window represents Napoli’s cleanest path to securing a return on investment for De Bruyne, whose deal with the Italian side runs through June 2027. Under those terms, Mundo Deportivo reports that Inter Miami remains eager to pair the midfield maestro with Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul. Back in June 2025, both Inter Miami and expansion side San Diego FC submitted inquiries regarding a potential move to MLS, a destination that remains attractive to the player. While De Bruyne chose to remain in Europe at the time, the 35-year-old coming off his final World Cup run in 2026 is increasingly open to a North American transition. Kevin De Bruyne #7 of Belgium applauds fans after the elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Inter Miami faces domestic competition for De Bruyne Sharing the pitch with Messi has emerged as Inter Miami’s ultimate recruitment tool, appealing to former Barcelona teammates like Suarez, international colleagues like De Paul, and former rivals like Sergio Reguilón and Casemiro. However, with all Designated Player spots currently occupied and General Allocation Money (GAM) capped, rival clubs are positioning themselves to swoop in. Mundo Deportivo reports that the Chicago Fire and San Diego FC are actively monitoring De Bruyne’s availability. Chicago holds an open Designated Player slot following the departure of leading scorer Hugo Cuypers, while San Diego could open a slot through a potential departure of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, giving both clubs a roster flexibility advantage over Miami. Inter Miami holds crucial regulatory edge Speculation surrounding De Bruyne intensified following reports from The Athletic that MLS owners are pushing for roster rule modifications, specifically moving toward a more flexible salary structure. While structural rule changes won’t offer immediate relief, the Herons still possess a major leverage point over their domestic rivals. Inter Miami currently controls De Bruyne’s MLS Discovery Rights, positioning the club to lead any negotiations should the Belgian decide to make the move stateside. Miami filed for those rights following his departure from Manchester City, meaning both Chicago and San Diego would have to trade for those rights with South Florida before making a formal contract offer to the player.
Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos explained how Lionel Messi was able to return to the MLS in less than two weeks from the 2026 World Cup final. Lionel Messi has officially returned to the pitch for Inter Miami following Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Less than two weeks after squaring off against Spain, head coach Guillermo Hoyos shed light on the driving forces behind the superstar’s MLS rapid turn-around. Following the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, Messi took a brief vacation before reporting back to Inter Miami’s Fort Lauderdale training facility on Wednesday. With only a couple of team sessions under his belt, the legendary forward suited up to aid the Herons in their ongoing quest for MLS hardware. On Saturday, Aug. 1, Inter Miami hosted the Columbus Crew. Rather than watching from a luxury box as originally expected, Messi was named to the matchday squad as a substitute. The captain entered in the 53rd minute and made an immediate impact, firing four shots (one on target), though the Herons ultimately settled for a 2-2 draw after Columbus midfielder Brais Mendez scored an 84th-minute equalizer. In his postgame press conference, Hoyos praised the dedication of his squad, singling out international stars Messi and Rodrigo De Paul: “I want to thank all the players for the effort they put in. I especially want to thank Leo and Rodri for traveling and showing up so soon after the World Cup. That was very important. This is a difficult, competitive league. We were winning in the 86th minute and wanted three points, but ended up with one. The game escaped us in the final minutes.“ Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball against the Columbus Crew. Hoyos on what drove Messi’s accelerated return Despite turning 39 during the 2026 World Cup, Messi defied expectations by making his return to competitive play in less than a fortnight. Instead of waiting for the club’s upcoming Leagues Cup debut, the Argentine legend insisted on getting match minutes under his belt against Columbus. When asked how Messi managed to stay fit and return so quickly, Hoyos offered a simple explanation: “Love for the game. The feeling towards a team as well. He is a football player, and when we are football players, we never leave football behind. Today I am a manager, but I will never stop being a football player. It is a very strong feeling.“ Hoyos’ sentiment aligns with Messi’s actions during his abbreviated time off. While resting in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, the star was spotted supporting Leones FC (the fourth-division club presided over by his brother, Matias) proving that even during his downtime, soccer remains front and center. Inter Miami now shifts its focus to the 2026 Leagues Cup, opening tournament play against Mexican side Atletico San Luis on Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Nu Stadium. Following his cameo against the Crew, Messi’s participation is all but guaranteed.
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