Lionel Messi is set to have Rodrigo de Paul as a full-season teammate at Inter Miami in 2026, highlighting a remarkable offseason for the defending MLS champions. While winning the MLS Cup typically triggers a mandatory squad rebuild due to the league's parity-driven design, Inter Miami have bucked this trend entirely, reloading their roster in a way no other team in the league could emulate.
The Historical Context of MLS Cup Winners
Historically, MLS Cup victories have led to near-mandatory squad overhauls. This is a direct consequence of the league's strict roster-building rules and salary cap constraints, which make it exceedingly difficult for successful teams to retain their core players or improve upon their existing squads. Great teams often find it nearly impossible to keep the band together, as trophy-winning players seek raises and the salary cap forces clubs to find cheaper alternatives.
For example, the LA Galaxy's 2024 MLS Cup triumph was followed by a significant exodus of key players, including star striker Dejan Joveljic and midfielder Riqui Puig, leading to a historic stretch of futility in the 2025 season. Similarly, Nashville SC faced trade-offs this offseason, opting to sign winger Cristian Espinoza rather than replacing defensive stalwart Walker Zimmerman, illustrating the typical sacrifices required under MLS regulations.
Inter Miami's Unique Advantage
Inter Miami's situation stands in stark contrast to every previous MLS Cup champion. The Herons have lost veteran players like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets to retirement, with Luis Suárez expected to take on a reduced role. This created significant gaps at left-back, defensive midfield, and striker, compounded by one of the league's weakest goalkeeping depth charts.
However, unlike any other team, Inter Miami possess Lionel Messi. His presence has proven to be a game-changer, attracting top talent to South Florida at reduced salaries. Players are willing to accept less money for the opportunity to play alongside the Argentine legend, giving Miami a unique competitive edge in the market.
Key Signings and Strategic Moves
This offseason, Inter Miami have addressed their needs with a series of high-profile acquisitions. In goal, they signed Dayne St Clair, Canada's likely World Cup starter and the reigning goalkeeper of the year, who joined for significantly less than his previous club, Minnesota United, had offered. At left-back, Sergio Reguilón has replaced Jordi Alba, while defensive midfielder David Ayala and defender Micael bring valuable MLS experience.
The crowning addition is striker Germán Berterame, captured from Monterrey for $15 million. Berterame has been one of Liga MX's top strikers since 2022, and his signing underscores Miami's aggressive approach. Meanwhile, Rodrigo de Paul, initially on loan from Atlético Madrid, has now been permanently acquired and will be a marquee player for the full 2026 season, with his salary adjusted closer to his previous earnings in Spain.
The Ripple Effect on MLS Rivals
Miami's ability to circumvent typical MLS constraints is complicating matters for their rivals. For instance, Los Angeles FC faced speculation about winger Denis Bouanga's dissatisfaction after Miami reportedly tried to lure him away, despite LAFC having signed Son Heung-min. Similarly, Vancouver Whitecaps, runners-up in the MLS Cup, have seen key wingers depart, with young homegrown players forced to step up, while star defender Tristan Blackmon reportedly desires a move to a club with a more appealing location.
This dynamic highlights an exciting test of MLS's rules, but it should not be misinterpreted as a new era for squad-building. Once Messi retires, Inter Miami will likely face the same challenges as every other team in the league. For now, however, his gravitational pull remains an invaluable variable that no rival can match, allowing Miami to build a formidable squad for 2026 without the usual trade-offs.
