OFFICIAL: Another star leaves Europe, confirmed to play alongside Messi in Miami

Inter Miami keeps drawing players from Europe by finalizing the permanent signing of striker Tadeo Allende, adding to the growing trend of stars opting for MLS alongside Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami is demonstrating its ambition to build a squad capable of dominating MLS and making an international impact, with Lionel Messi at its core. The American club recently reached an agreement to permanently acquire forward Tadeo Allende from Celta Vigo, making him the latest player to leave European football to join the project centered around the Argentine superstar.

According to sources from Spain, Inter Miami paid less than 5 million euros for this transfer, a relatively modest fee considering Allende’s contributions last season. In fact, the parties agreed on the terms early January, before Inter Miami completed the final steps to secure the 26-year-old striker permanently.

Allende initially joined Inter Miami on loan for the 2025 season and quickly became a key figure in the attack. Over 54 appearances across all competitions, he scored 24 goals and provided 3 assists, finishing the season as the team’s second top scorer. Notably, in the playoffs, Allende exploded with 9 goals, playing a vital role in Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup 2025 final.

That impressive form is the reason Inter Miami decided to keep Allende long-term with a contract running until 2030, including an option to extend for an additional year. The strong chemistry between Allende and Messi is considered crucial, as they frequently connect in decisive moments.

Allende himself has expressed excitement about continuing to play alongside his senior compatriot in an environment that helps him maintain his performance and elevate his personal brand.

Allende is not an isolated case. Previously, familiar European football figures like Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Rodrigo De Paul also left La Liga to join Inter Miami, forming an “Argentina-Spain core” around Messi. This trend reflects the growing appeal of MLS, especially under the leadership of one of football’s greatest players.

The club is not stopping there, as Inter Miami is reportedly pursuing Giovani Lo Celso to strengthen the midfield. The 29-year-old midfielder still has a contract with Real Betis until 2028 and is highly regarded in terms of quality compared to the MLS standard.

If the deal goes through, Inter Miami will add another quality Argentine player while boosting Lo Celso’s chances of competing for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

Alongside Allende, Inter Miami has also signed goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair and defenders Facundo Mura, Sergio Reguilón, and Micael. These continuous moves indicate that the club is not relying solely on Messi’s reputation but is steadily building a deep and quality squad.

With more players leaving Europe to come to Miami, Inter Miami is gradually becoming a “new destination” in world football.