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 factor that played a significant role in their decision: 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. He arrives at the club from Casa Pia on a four-year contract, ready to make his mark.
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] who, as I said before, are highly competitive players who want to win everything and that requires us to live up to them.”
Allende’s excitement was palpable as 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 journey to Inter Miami began with an unexpected phone call from the new coach, Javier Mascherano. Luján, who signed a two-year deal with the club, 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 highlighted 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 presence was crucial in the team’s 2023 Leagues Cup title and 2024 Supporters’ Shield victory.
Building a Stronger Team
The arrival of Allende, Luján, and Segovia marks some of the first signings under coach Javier Mascherano, who took over in November 2024. With a busy 2025 season ahead, including competitions like the MLS regular season, Leagues Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup, Mascherano is keen on adding depth to the roster.
- Inter Miami’s campaign kicks off on Feb. 18 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.
With these new signings and the Messi factor in play, Inter Miami fans have plenty to look forward to as the team gears up for an exciting season.
Originally Written by: Lizzy Becherano
