Rumors and unconfirmed reports suggest a potential move for Mohamed Salah, the star of Egypt and Liverpool, to MLS with Inter Miami, envisioning a partnership with Lionel Messi. However, this scenario appears highly unlikely, not only due to financial considerations or mutual interest, but primarily because of league roster rules.
This move would not be possible under the current structure unless MLS introduces a fourth Designated Player spot or more flexible regulations. The Designated Player rule allows teams to pay a player above the salary cap without the full cost impacting the roster. At present, this limitation represents the main obstacle to any potential deal involving Salah joining Inter Miami.
It is already official that Salah is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years, during which he set multiple records and won major trophies. He joined in 2016 when Liverpool were still in a long wait for a league title, and went on to lift the Premier League in 2019-20 and 2024-25, as well as the Champions League in 2018-19.
Who occupies the other designated player spots?
As mentioned, Inter Miami do not have a Designated Player slot available to offer Salah, as Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and German Berterame currently occupy those positions. De Paul originally joined Inter Miami on loan in the middle of the MLS season without a DP spot available at that time, a path that is not viable for Salah now.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool
The Argentina midfielder arrived just months before the contract of former Designated Player Sergio Busquets expired, which allowed De Paul to replace him on the roster at the end of the season. Once the campaign ended, Inter Miami triggered De Paul’s clause to make his move permanent under the new DP position.
Salah’s departure from Liverpool, however, comes at a complicated moment for Inter Miami to adjust their DP structure. Messi has recently signed a contract extension through 2028, while De Paul and Berterame are under contract through the 2028-2029 MLS season.
What Salah would bring to Inter Miami
If Salah were to arrive at Inter Miami, it would create an imbalance within MLS. A partnership between Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah would likely form one of the most dangerous attacking duos in league history, capable of consistently overwhelming opposing defenses.
Even though Salah may no longer be at the absolute peak of his career, he recently helped Egypt qualify for the 2026 World Cup. In the current season with Liverpool, he has recorded 10 goals and 9 assists in 34 matches across Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Community Shield.
