Jorge Mas explains the recent moves and the chatter around Inter Miami reuniting two longtime friends in the sport.
- The Argentine icon is currently in the United States, bolstering attention around the club.
- Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have joined Messi, reinforcing a core Barcelona influence at the DRV PNK Stadium.
- The Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez is with Internacional in Brazil, with ongoing speculation about a possible move back to the United States.
WHAT HAPPENED? Inter Miami, the Florida-based club, has been actively assembling a roster packed with name recognition and proven winning experience. At the center of the excitement is Lionel Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, whose arrival has reframed the club’s ambitions and brought heightened attention to Major League Soccer. Alongside Messi, Barcelona veterans Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have joined, creating a familiar dynamic that fans associated with the Blaugrana now see in a new American setting. There is also buzz around Luis Suárez, the celebrated Uruguayan striker who previously formed a formidable attacking partnership with Messi at Barcelona. Suárez has been playing in Brazil with Gremio, but chatter persists about a potential transfer that could bring him to the United States and, perhaps, closer to this growing Miami project.
WHAT WAS SAID: Inter Miami owner and manager Jorge Mas addressed the questions surrounding a possible deal for Suárez, the prolific 36-year-old marksman who had linked up with Messi at Camp Nou in the past. Mas reaffirmed the current status of Suárez by stating that “Luis Suárez is a Gremio player,” signaling that any future move would require a change in plans and negotiations beyond the present moment.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Regardless of Suárez’s immediate status, Mas believes Inter Miami has already achieved a significant strategic win through its recruitment approach. The club has generated global buzz and shifted perceptions about what a franchise in the United States can attract. Mas emphasized that the presence of Messi, Busquets, Alba, and other high-profile players signals a new chapter for the sport in North America. He pointed to the broader impact on fans, sponsorship, and the overall growth of soccer in the United States and Canada, noting that the club’s efforts have opened doors and created momentum that extends beyond a single season or a single player. The sense of momentum, Mas argues, is part of a longer-term vision that positions Inter Miami as a serious force in the region’s soccer landscape.
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COMING? Messi is expected to make his Inter Miami debut in their Leagues Cup clash against Cruz Azul, a matchup that could mark a watershed moment for the club and for MLS. The Argentinian superstar is stepping into a new chapter following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer, and anticipation is high that his first appearance will showcase how far the project has come already and what lies ahead for the team in this next phase of growth. Observers and fans alike are curious about how Messi’s presence will influence the team’s on-field dynamics, dressing room culture, and the league’s profile as a whole, with many speculating about the immediate tactical implications and the longer-term branding impact for Inter Miami.
Source: Goal