Inter Miami announce move that could be crucial to pair Lionel Messi with Kevin De Bruyne

Inter Miami continue to position themselves as one of the most ambitious clubs in world soccer. The team not only hopes to compete for every available title in the coming year, but it’s also actively working to bolster its star-studded roster—with Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne now emerging as a real possibility to join forces with Lionel Messi in South Florida.

Just days after Javier Mascherano acknowledged that the club was open to using a special MLS transfer window (June 1–10) designed for teams participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Inter Miami confirmed a move that could facilitate a blockbuster addition. The club officially acquired an international roster slot from the Portland Timbers in exchange for $270,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM), clearing space to add a non-domestic player.

The GAM mechanism allows MLS teams to offset the salary cap hit of designated or high-earning players, making room for reinforcements without exceeding the league’s financial regulations. For Inter Miami, this move signals clear intent: they are gearing up to make another major splash ahead of a global stage.

Kevin De Bruyne on the radar

The transaction has reignited speculation surrounding De Bruyne, who has already confirmed he will leave Manchester City after the 2024–25 season. While he is still expected to play in the Club World Cup with Pep Guardiola’s squad, a post-tournament move to MLS—and specifically Inter Miami—remains plausible.

Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City

However, the logistics of the transfer are complex. De Bruyne’s current contract runs through June 30, which overlaps with the Club World Cup (set to conclude July 13). Additionally, Inter Miami have already filled their three Designated Player (DP) slots—with Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba—which limits their ability to offer De Bruyne a salary in line with his superstar status unless one of those DP spots is vacated.

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Still, the recent signing of Baltasar Rodríguez proves the club is actively exploring new additions under more flexible financial terms. While De Bruyne would have to accept a significantly reduced salary if he were to arrive outside of the DP mechanism, the allure of playing alongside Messi in a growing American league could prove enticing.

Mascherano addresses transfer strategy

Speaking to reporters on Friday, head coach Javier Mascherano addressed the possibility of adding more elite talent to Inter Miami’s roster. “There will be a transfer window from June 1 to 10… Both FIFA and supposedly MLS have approved this window,” Mascherano said, via Deporte Total USA. “If there’s a chance to strengthen any position and bring in players, we’re open to exploring options.”

However, Mascherano made it clear that any incoming talent must be committed to the long haul—not just a short stint for the Club World Cup. “My idea is that if a player comes in, it should be for the entire season, not just for the Club World Cup,” he emphasized. “It would be disrespectful to the players who’ve been with us since day one.”

Mascherano concluded with a note of caution and ambition: “The idea is that, if someone comes, it’s really to strengthen us and make us better. We’re not going to sign just for the sake of it.” As the countdown to the Club World Cup begins, all eyes will be on Inter Miami. With the possibility of pairing Messi and De Bruyne, the club could soon field one of the most iconic duos ever seen in American soccer.