Lionel Messi’s impact at Inter Miami has been nothing short of transformative since his arrival in the MLS. The Argentine superstar has not only elevated the club’s performance on the pitch but also sparked intrigue off it, with speculation swirling about which global stars might join him in Florida. While names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar have been floated by fans and media, Messi has reportedly set his sights on a different former teammate to bolster Inter Miami’s squad: Ángel Di María.
According to recent reports, Messi is personally pushing for Inter Miami to sign Di María, the veteran Argentine winger who is currently a free agent after his contract with Benfica expired. The 37-year-old, known for his flair, vision, and clutch performances, could be the next big name to join the MLS side. Sources close to the club suggest that Messi believes Di María’s experience and quality would perfectly complement Inter Miami’s ambitions to dominate the league and make waves in international competitions.

Di María, a key figure in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph and multiple Copa América successes, brings a wealth of experience. His ability to deliver in high-stakes moments, like his iconic goal in the 2021 Copa América final, aligns with Messi’s vision of building a formidable team in Miami. The duo’s longstanding chemistry, forged through years of playing together for the Argentine national team, could recreate the magic they’ve displayed on the international stage.
Eyes on the @FIFACWC ⚽️💪 pic.twitter.com/x03JRjdzgY
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 5, 2025
Inter Miami’s pursuit of Di María is not without challenges. The club must navigate MLS salary cap restrictions, which could complicate negotiations. However, Messi’s influence and the allure of playing alongside one of the greatest footballers of all time might be enough to convince Di María to make the move. The winger’s recent stint at Benfica, where he scored 16 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 appearances, proves he still has plenty to offer at the elite level.
While Ronaldo and Neymar remain blockbuster names in the rumor mill, Di María’s potential arrival feels like a more realistic and strategic fit for Inter Miami. His versatility, work rate, and familiarity with Messi’s playing style could elevate the team to new heights. As fans eagerly await updates, one thing is clear: Messi is not just building a team—he’s crafting a legacy in Miami, and Di María could be the next piece of the puzzle