Inter Miami’s New Signings: The Messi Effect
It’s an exciting time for Inter Miami CF as they welcome three new signings who are already making waves with their enthusiasm and ambition. The trio, Tadeo Allende, Gonzalo Luján, and Telasco Segovia, have all expressed their excitement about joining the team, and there’s one common thread in their decision-making process: the opportunity to play alongside the legendary Lionel Messi.
Let’s dive into what these players had to say about their new journey with Inter Miami and how the presence of Messi influenced their decisions.
The Messi Magnet
For Telasco Segovia, the chance to play with Messi was a dream come true. “Well, I would be playing with the best player in the world in my opinion. It was a great factor in my joining, but this is also a great club,” Segovia shared. Coming from Casa Pia on a four-year contract, Segovia is eager to make his mark in Major League Soccer.
Tadeo Allende, who joins the Herons from Celta Vigo on loan through the end of the 2025 season, was equally thrilled. He admitted, “It influenced [my decision] a lot, it influenced a lot because also to learn from him and not only from him but from Sergio [Busquets], Jordi [Alba] and Luis [Suárez].” Allende is looking forward to learning from these seasoned players and is ready to rise to the challenge of living up to their standards.
He continued, “When the proposal came to me, I was never going to imagine that I could get to play and share the field with him because I saw everything and I saw him in videos and he’s my idol as the idol of so many, but being on the field with him is a different thing, not only on the field, in the locker room, seeing him up close is different.”
A Call from Mascherano
For Gonzalo Luján, the decision to join Inter Miami was solidified with a phone call from the new coach, Javier Mascherano. Luján, who signed a two-year deal, described the experience as “incredible.” He said, “I didn’t doubt the decision for a second. Masche told me he was interested in me coming, and I was interested in coming.”
Luján also emphasized the importance of playing with Messi, stating, “It was super important [the factor of playing with Messi], there are many players who are very great, successful and winners. It is a team that is seen a lot because Leo is there, he is very important. You can learn a lot of them, so I’m super happy. They received me very well, I am happy.”
Messi’s Impact on Inter Miami
Since joining Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, Messi has been a transformative figure both on and off the pitch. The Argentina forward has contributed 22 goals and 19 assists in 28 MLS appearances. His influence was pivotal in the team’s 2023 Leagues Cup title and 2024 Supporters’ Shield victory.
Looking Ahead
The arrival of Allende, Luján, and Segovia marks some of the first signings under Mascherano’s leadership, who took over as manager in November 2024. With a packed schedule ahead, including the MLS regular season, Leagues Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup, the new coach is keen on adding depth to the roster.
- The campaign kicks off on Feb. 18 with a match against Sporting Kansas City in the first leg of the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup.
- The MLS season begins on Feb. 22 against New York City FC at Chase Stadium.
As the new season approaches, the excitement is palpable. With Messi leading the charge and new talents eager to prove themselves, Inter Miami is poised for an exhilarating year.
Originally Written by: Lizzy Becherano
