Inter Miami CF 2026 Season Preview

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Major League Soccer

·16 February 2026

Inter Miami CF 2026 Season Preview

By MLSsoccer staff

2026 Schedule

First game: Feb. 21 - 9:30 pm ET at LAFC
Home opener: April 4 - 7:30 pm ET vs. Austin FC
Full schedule
Watch on Apple TV

Team Snapshot

The reigning MLS Cup presented by Audi champions turned heads in the offseason transfer market, setting them up to challenge for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup title and open Miami Freedom Park this spring.

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Lionel Messi will look to become the first three-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP and defend his Golden Boot presented by Audi crown (29g/19a). He added an Audi MLS Cup Playoffs record 15 goal contributions (6g/9a) en route to last year's title.

Also looming large for Messi? The 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he'll aim to help Argentina defend their title alongside teammate Rodrigo De Paul.

They'll likely be joined at the global spectacle by Mexican striker Germán Berterame and Canadian goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, two of Inter Miami's top winter signings.

Key Signings

David Ayala: The midfielder arrived via a trade with the Portland Timbers, enhancing options following Sergio Busquets’ retirement.
Germán Berterame: The Mexican international forward, acquired from LIGA MX side CF Monterrey, is Miami’s third DP alongside Messi and De Paul.
Micael: The Brazilian center back returns to MLS after starring with Houston Dynamo FC. He's on loan from Brazilian Série A side Palmeiras.
Facundo Mura: A versatile defender, Mura was signed as a free agent after playing for Racing Club in his native Argentina.
Sergio Reguilón: The Spanish left back was signed as a free agent after stops with Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, Manchester United and more.
Dayne St. Clair: The 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year was signed via free agency after seven seasons with Minnesota United FC.

Full roster

MESSI ➡️ GERMAN 🤝🔥
– Sunday, 8 February 2026

Key Departures

Jordi Alba: The legendary Spanish left back retired as an MLS Cup 2025 champion.
Tomás Avilés: The Argentine center back was loaned to CF Montréal for the 2026 season.
Sergio Busquets: Busquets, arguably the greatest defensive midfielder of his generation, retired after Miami's memorable 2025 campaign.
Baltasar Rodríguez: The Argentine midfielder's loan from Racing Club expired, having provided 3g/3a in 22 games.
Óscar Ustari: The veteran goalkeeper left Miami via mutual contract termination.
Marcelo Weigandt: The Argentine defender is back playing for Boca Juniors after being on loan with Miami.