Inter Miami have maintained strong form following their exit from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Javier Mascherano solidified the team’s defensive stability by integrating Maximiliano Falcon into the back line, resulting in just one defeat over their last five matches. In a strategic move to bolster their midfield, they announced the signing of Rodrigo De Paul. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi witnessed a teammate’s departure to another MLS franchise.
On Sunday, Inter Miami CF announced the departure of their Brazilian striker, Leo Afonso, who is now officially an Atlanta United player. According to MLS insider Tom Bogert, this move was part of a trade deal. In exchange, Lionel Messi‘s team will secure an international player registration slot for the 2025 season.
Leo Afonso, a promising young talent, featured in only 19 games, scoring two goals and contributing one assist. His role diminished with the rise of Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia, leaving him sidelined during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. However, his move to Atlanta offers a fresh opportunity to showcase the skills he honed in MLS Next Pro, where he impressed with seven goals and two assists in nine matches, underscoring his potential as a standout performer.
Will Inter Miami continue signing players after Leo Afonso’s departure?
Following the departure of Leo Afonso, Inter Miami are determined to fortify their roster. Journalist Jose Armando Rodriguez reports that Lionel Messi’s squad is in advanced negotiations with both a defender and a forward. ESPN’s Claudio Alfaro has disclosed that the targets are Facundo Pellistri of Panathinaikos and Marc Bartra of Real Betis.
Leo Afonso #21 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball whilst under pressure from Sebastien Ibeagha #25 of FC Dallas.
Inter Miami’s head coach Javier Mascherano has repeatedly emphasized the need for reinforcements. Despite a roster filled with stars, the team’s lack of bench depth has significantly hindered its MLS Cup aspirations. These potential additions would ideally address the squad’s critical needs, a concern that he even highlighted before the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
see also
Rodrigo De Paul officially joins Messi in MLS: Inter Miami’s projected lineup with the Argentine midfielder
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano hints at bigger role for young striker in upcoming matches
Following Leo Afonso’s departure, a new opportunity may arise for a young talent within Inter Miami’s roster: Allen Obando. In discussing Obando’s recent absences from games, Javier Mascherano explained, “Allen has experienced a few minor injuries and niggles that have hindered his ability to train consistently.”
After recovering from his injury, Allen was called up to Inter Miami for the Leagues Cup. This will give him the opportunity to earn a spot on the roster. As a young 22-year-old forward, he has shown great potential to make a difference. However, he now has the perfect opportunity to prove his worth, as Leo Afonso’s departure has opened up a spot in the forward line.
