The new MLS season is about to begin on 22nd February, 2026. The former Barcelona stars led Inter Miami was an absolute treat for fans to watch as they witnessed the good old connection and harmony on the pitch between Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez.
Inter Miami won its first-ever MLS Cup title, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3–1 in the final. This was the club’s first league championship in its history. Miami won the Eastern Conference to reach the MLS Cup final. Messi was named MLS Most Valuable Player for the 2025 season, the first player in league history to win it two years in a row. They also reached the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
They finished 3rd in the MLS league.
But ever since Alba and Busquets retired from International football last season, fans have started to question the squad strength. Lionel Messi is also expected to be sidelined for initial games because of muscle strain in left hamstring. Is the new Inter Miami good enough to repeat the last season’s success and also to win the MLS league?
Current Inter Miami Squad
Here is the current Inter Miami squad for the new season. Notably Inter Miami has signed these players ahead of the new season-
Inter Miami have been active in the winter transfer window with several confirmed arrivals:
- Dayne St. Clair– Goalkeeper (signed from Minnesota United)
- Luis Barraza– Goalkeeper (signed)
- Rocco Ríos Novo– Goalkeeper (permanent transfer from Lanús)
- Micael– Defender (loan with option from Palmeiras)
- Facundo Mura– Defender (signed)
- Sergio Reguilón– Defender (signed)
- David Ayala– Midfielder (signed from Portland Timbers)
- Tadeo Allende– Forward (made permanent after loan success)
- Daniel Pinter– Forward (academy promoted / signed)
- Germán Berterame– Forward (Designated Player signing from CF Monterrey)
Why did Alba & Busquets departure matter?
Both Alba and Busquets were not just quality players but also they were leaders and stabilizers on the field. Busquets was a world-class defensive midfielder with unmatched reading of the game, protection for the defence, and a calming presence in build-ups. These qualities are very hard to replace. Alba used to provide width, attacking thrust from left-back, and had excellent synergy with attackers. This presents challenges in midfield control, defensive transitions, and consistency on the left flank, areas where replacement options are coming but aren’t yet proven at their level.
Options like Sergio Reguilón or MLS standouts have been linked, but adapting to Messi-centric play and MLS’s physicality will take time. Without Busquets and Alba, defensive organization and build-up phases need “new brains.” Head coach Javier Mascherano has been successful but will face scrutiny if structural lapses occur without a ready replacement core.
Players to look out for
- Lionel Messi (Forward)- The biggest name in the squad and still arguably the best player in MLS. He continues to be Miami’s main creator and goalscorer, able to change games with a moment of brilliance. Although his absence from initial games will be a big loss for the club.
- Luis Suárez (Forward)- A veteran goalscorer and Messi’s longtime teammate from Barcelona. Suárez remained with Miami for 2026 and continues to lead the attack.
- Germán Berterame (Forward)- A dynamic attacking signing who recently debuted and already looks like an exciting new offensive weapon to complement the Messi–Suárez partnership.
- Rodrigo De Paul (Midfielder)- A creative and energetic midfielder, crucial for linking play between defense and attack. His link up play with Messi from Argentina has also helped the team in the past and will continue to prove beneficial.
- Tadeo Allende (Forward)- A rising attacker who was prolific in the 2025 playoffs, scoring consistently and setting a postseason record. He scored 9 goals, the most ever by a player in a single MLS Cup Playoffs campaign. That broke the previous mark of 8 goals held by Carlos Ruiz from 2002.
Conclusion
Inter Miami head into the new season with a blend of proven superstars, exciting new signings, and emerging young talent. While the departures of experienced figures like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets create tactical and leadership challenges, the squad still possesses strong attacking firepower through Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and rising performers such as Tadeo Allende, whose record-breaking 2025 playoff run highlights Miami’s growing depth. Ultimately, the team’s success in the upcoming season will depend on how quickly new players integrate, how consistently the midfield and defense perform, and whether the attacking core can maintain its decisive edge. If those elements align, Inter Miami remain strong contenders to compete for major trophies once again.
