Just days after being crowned MLS Cup 2025 champions, Inter Miami officially began assembling its roster for the upcoming season. The club managed by Javier Mascherano confirmed key moves aimed at maintaining a competitive team around Lionel Messi, following the recent retirements of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Inter Miami exercises the option to buy Rodrigo De Paul
One of the most important announcements was the permanent signing of Rodrigo De Paul, who arrived last July on loan from Atlético de Madrid. His arrival was decisive in winning the MLS Cup, especially his goal in the final against the Vancouver Whitecaps after receiving an assist from Messi at Chase Stadium.
Sources close to the matter say the deal would be for four years and 2 million, keeping De Paul in Miami thru the 2029 season. Additionally, he could fill one of the Designated Player slots left vacant by Busquets and Alba after they announced their retirements.
This move reinforces the club’s intention to build a solid team around Messi, maintaining a competitive base to compete in MLS, the Leagues Cup, and eventually the Club World Cup.
Ian Fray renews his contract until 2028–29
Another important step was the renewal of Ian Fray, a 23-year-old defender who earned a starting spot during the season. Although he started as Marcelo Weigandt’s substitute, his strong performances quickly made him a key player in the defensive lineup.
Ian Fray’s participation in Inter Miami
- 35 matches in 2025
- 1 goal and 4 assists
- Participation in the club’s four titles in its history
- 66 total matches, 4 goals and 4 assists
Fray celebrated his renewal with an emotional message: «Continuing my journey here is an incredible feeling. This club has placed an enormous amount of trust in me over the past five years… We’ve won the MLS Cup, and I’m excited about what’s next».
Despite suffering serious injuries in 2021 and 2022, the player showed resilience and returned in 2023 to become a permanent fixture on the pink-and-black team.
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Inter Miami is negotiating to keep Luis Suárez
Luis Suárez’s future remains up in the air, as his contract expired in December. Club co-owner Jorge Mas confirmed that they are holding formal talks to try to renew his contract.
But he added: «He is a football legend. He deserves to make the decision to go out on top… If Luis decides to stay for another year, we would welcome him with open arms».
Although he started the season as a starter, Suárez lost playing time in the final phase, where Mascherano opted for Mateo Silvetti, a young Argentine prospect.
The striker’s continuity will depend on several factors, including financial ones, since MLS rules limit the salaries of non-designated players.
Other Inter Miami moves: Loans, departures, and talks
The club is also working to determine the future of other players whose loan spells have ended. Among them, they remain in talks:
- Allen Obando
- Rocco Ríos Novo
- Baltasar Rodríguez
- Tadeo Allende
Additionally, Inter Miami confirmed that:
- He declined the contract options for Fafà Picault and William Yarbrough.
- Marcelo Weigandt’s loan has ended.
- Ryan Sailor was left off the roster.
Inter Miami’s roster with guarantyd contracts for next season
The players currently confirmed for the next season are:
- Ian Fray
- Noah Allen
- Tomás Avilés
- Israel Boatwright
- Yannick Bright
- Maximiliano Falcón
- Tyler Hall
- Gonzalo Luján
- Lionel Messi
- Santiago Morales
- David Ruiz
- Mateo Silvetti
- Telasco Segovia
- Óscar Ustari
This foundation represents the core on which Mascherano will build for the 2026 season, with the expectation of continuing to compete for titles.
