Who is Lionel Messi's new teammates in Inter Miami on 2025

Hari Mata December 24, 2024 | 13:00

Two young players in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft who will join Lionel Messi as teammates next year.

Who is Javier Mascherano (Inter Miami new Coach): Career, Relationship with Messi, and Net Worth

Who is Lionel Messi: Career, Life in the U.S., and Net Worth

When is the MLS 2025: Key Dates and Postseason

Messi and Inter Miami's busy schedule for season 2025

Messi received his MVP award from his sons, Thiago, Ciro, Mateo, and the Inter Miami youth academy.

Inter Miami traded their first-round pick (22nd overall) to Los Angeles FC in exchange for $50,000 in General Allocation Money for 2025 and a natural second-round pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft. As a result, the Herons’ activity was limited to the later rounds, but they secured two promising players.

Bailey Sparks and Michael Appiah were selected by Inter Miami to bolster their roster for the upcoming MLS season. Sparks, a 21-year-old midfielder from Texas, was taken as the 52nd overall pick from Southern Methodist University. During the 2024 season, Sparks was a standout performer for the SMU Mustangs, starting all 21 matches, scoring 9 goals, and providing 10 assists.

Appiah, originally from Ghana, was picked 82nd overall. The forward’s journey has included stints at Multnomah University and Arizona Western College before playing for Florida International University in 2024. At FIU, Appiah scored 4 goals in 18 games, showcasing his potential as a dynamic attacking option.

Both Sparks and Appiah will bring depth and fresh energy to Inter Miami’s squad, giving coach Javier Mascherano additional options as the team prepares for a busy season of competitions.

Neymar next?

Inter Miami remain keen on reuniting Neymar with Lionel Messi, with reports in Spain speculating on when an official approach could be made.

Brazilian superstar Neymar is currently on the books of Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, but has endured an injury-ravaged spell in the Middle East. His contract in Riyadh is due to expire in 2025, which has led to plenty of rumours regarding what happens next.

According to AS, the Herons’ ownership team – including Jorge Mas – still consider Neymar to be a realistic target despite claims from the South American that he is settled in Saudi. It is claimed that Inter Miami could make their move in January – ahead of the 2025 MLS campaign – or wait until after the FIFA Club World Cup next summer.