Inter Miami’s Argentine Takeover: How Messi Transformed an MLS Club
When Lionel Messi moved to Inter Miami in summer 2023, he didn’t just bring his legendary football skills—he sparked an Argentine revolution that has fundamentally reshaped the club’s identity.
The Argentine Transformation
Former DC United and Atlanta player Mateusz Klich recently revealed: “I don’t recommend Miami while Messi is there. It’s a disaster—people are leaving, coaches and physiotherapers are leaving. Organizationally, everything is bad. Essentially, Messi’s father runs the club. Everyone speaks Spanish, and nothing can be done without their approval.”
While Klich might not be the most reliable source, one fact is undeniable: since Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami has become obsessed with Argentine talent.
From One to Fifteen: The Argentine Invasion
The numbers tell a dramatic story. In 2022, Gonzalo Higuaín was the only Argentine in Inter Miami’s squad. Fast forward to the current season, and the club has featured 15 players with Argentine roots.
This count includes American-developed players like Benja Cremaschi, Santiago Morales, and Ezequiel Abadia-Redo—Miami academy products whose parents hail from Argentina.
The All-Argentine Starting Lineup
In early October, coach Javier Mascherano fielded six Argentine starters against Chicago Fire (3-5)—with zero Americans in the starting eleven.
The Argentine defensive wall featured goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, defenders Marcelo Weigandt, Tomás Avilés, and Gonzalo Luján. Rodrigo de Paul controlled midfield, while Messi led the attack.
Remarkably, Inter Miami could now field an entire starting lineup of Argentine players if desired.
Messi’s Arrival Accelerated the Trend
When Messi joined in summer 2023, Nicolas Stefanelli and Franco Negri were already on the roster. Immediately following Leo’s transfer, Facundo Farías and Tomás Avilés joined, and the Argentine floodgates opened.
Currently, the team boasts two Argentine goalkeepers, with four Argentines among the top 10 in playing time. Tadeo Allende, with 15 goals across all competitions, ranks as Inter Miami’s third-highest scorer—trailing only Messi and Luis Suárez.
The Latest Addition
The most recent signing, Mateo Silvetti—a 19-year-old winger from Messi’s hometown—joined in August. The Newell’s Old Boys product nearly scored immediately when Messi entrusted him with a penalty, but the young talent hit the crossbar.
Historical Context and Current Dominance
Argentines have always been important to Inter Miami: the club’s first transfers after its founding were 19-year-olds Matías Pellegrini and Julián Carranza. But post-Messi, Argentina has become the undisputed primary supplier of talent to the Florida club.
The Argentine influence extends beyond the pitch. Since Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami’s coaches have been exclusively Argentine: Javier Morales served as interim coach for a month, followed by Gerardo Martino, with Mascherano taking over this year.
Practically the entire coaching staff is now Argentine, and the Argentine national team has even established an office in Miami.
Messi’s Dual Role: Captain and Future Co-Owner
Messi is transforming Inter Miami not just as captain and superstar, but as a future co-owner. Investment discussions were part of his initial transfer negotiations, as confirmed by The New York Times, signaling that the Argentine influence at Inter Miami is only beginning.
