Inter Miami have been active in this transfer window, making several moves that reshaped the roster. The departures include players who built their names at the club, which continues to carve out a place among the best in Major League Soccer thanks in large part to the presence of Lionel Messi. This time, it was goalkeeper Drake Callender who addressed his exit.
Callender posted a heartfelt message on social media, directed at the fans and the club. “To my first professional club, Inter Miami, I want to thank you and everyone that I’ve met and had the opportunity to grow with throughout the last six years,” Callender wrote.
“I’m very proud of my time here and more importantly the relationships that I’ve built. We won trophies, we endured tough moments, and brought people together through this game. I wish everyone the best going forward.”
He closed by leaving a special message for the fans, who will surely miss him as much as he will miss them. “To the fans, you always supported me and I can’t thank you enough for all the love I’ve received during my time here.”
Callender’s journey in Miami
Drake Callender, the American goalkeeper, enjoyed a remarkable spell with Inter Miami. After joining in 2019, before their inaugural MLS season, he spent two years with Inter Miami CF II. By 2022, he had earned the starting job, showcasing his potential and establishing himself as a key part of the team’s defense.
His defining moment came in 2023 during the historic Leagues Cup campaign. Callender became the hero by delivering crucial saves, including a decisive stop in the penalty shootout of the final, and even scoring a penalty of his own. His performance earned him the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper award and Man of the Match honors in the final, as Inter Miami lifted their first major trophy with Messi.
Callender’s career in Miami was one of steady growth. In 2024, he was instrumental in the team’s run to the Supporters’ Shield, highlighted by his athleticism and sharp reflexes that made him a fan favorite. His leadership and consistency helped him become one of the first two players in club history to reach 100 appearances.
Despite his success, Callender’s time with Messi and Inter Miami has come to an end. In a surprise move, the club traded him to Charlotte FC, receiving a significant amount of allocation money in return. The transfer marks the close of an era for a homegrown figure who rose with the club and played a central role in its biggest achievements.