5 European Club Stars Who Could Join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami

Lionel Messi ended speculation about his future by announcing on June 8 that he plans on opening the next chapter of his career in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami.

Though many believed a reunion with Barcelona was on the cards, the 35-year-old told the Argentine media he was ready for a new challenge.

That challenge ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner is to guide Miami, which currently sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Luckily, though, Messi will have some reinforcements coming his way.

When a player of his status goes to a new team, it's only natural to see a ripple effect of other players wanting to share the pitch with him. After his announcement, several reports linked former club and current international teammates of the Rosario, Argentina native to South Florida.

Here are five players who could follow Messi to Miami, ranked from most to least likely.

Sergio Busquets has been linked to MLS for some time.

Since expressing a reported interest in playing in the United States in 2021, the former Spain international has been linked with the Fort Lauderdale-based club.

Now, it seems Miami will finally be able to obtain his services, with Busquets reportedly agreeing to a deal.

If the 34-year-old does take his talents to South Florida, it would be a much-needed boost for Miami's struggling midfield.

Since losing key midfielders Jean Mota and Gregore to long-term injuries, the Herons have struggled, winning just five of their 17 games played.

A big reason Miami has been losing is its inability to progress the ball through the middle of the pitch, create consistent chances and score, as seen by its league-low 0.9 goals per match.

Should Busquets slot into Miami's midfield, he'd instantly give the team a progressive-passing option and a calm presence through the middle that will complement Messi's ball-dominant style.

Another former Barcelona teammate of Messi's could also follow the Argentine to the United States this summer.

Per Fabrizio Romano, Jordi Alba has begun negotiations with Miami:

Now, here is where it could get complicated for Miami.

The team has the privilege of having two solid left-backs, Franco Negri and Noah Allen, who are both good enough to hold down a starting spot.

If Alba joins the team, one of the two left-backs in the squad may have to move to another club.

Miami might be willing to take the risk if it leads to the signing of the Spain international, though.

Even at 34 years old, Alba is still a great attacking option.

Per FBREF, through 1,419 minutes played in La Liga, Alba is in the 99th percentile of progressive passes with 9.16 per 90 and in the 72nd percentile of progressive carries with 2.65 per 90.

Alba could be a much-needed offensive boost, even as a fullback, for Miami's flat attack.

While there have been rumors linking Luis Suárez to Miami, it's unlikely he will come to South Florida.

Speaking with Uruguayan newspaper El Observador (h/t ESPN), Suárez denied the speculation, stating he's happy at Gremio and reiterating that he has a contract with them until 2024.

Furthermore, Miami has two capable strikers on its roster it has heavily invested in, and the addition of Suárez could be overkill.

Miami's front line is currently led by former 2018 MLS MVP Josef Martínez and Ecuador international Leonardo Campana.

However, despite the club's investment, the team still struggles to net goals.

The duo have scored a combined amount of only seven goals on the season, which is far below expectations placed on them by the coaching staff.

If Suárez did choose to go to MLS—specifically Miami—it will significantly help the Herons' offensive woes and give pundits and fans a chance to watch the 36-year-old play alongside Messi again.

Ángel Di María would be an interesting player to add to Miami's roster.

With fellow wingers Nicolas Stefanelli and Robert Taylor underperforming for the Herons, scoring just one goal apiece in 16 matches played, Di María would be an upgrade at a position of need for Miami.

Moreover, the 35-year-old's strike partnership with Messi is almost telepathic, with the pair connecting time and time again for the Argentina National team.

The duo potentially linking back up in Miami would be a pleasure to witness.

However, Paul Tenorio, Tom Bogert and Felipe Cardenas of The Athletic poured cold water on talk that suggested Di María's arrival to MLS is imminent.

According to the article, though Miami has had preliminary contact and interest with the Argentine and his agents, no concrete negotiations have started.

While Miami would ascend to super-team status if Di María signed with the club, it looks like it's far from happening...at the moment.

Last and perhaps the least likely of any of the players on the list, Antoine Griezmann has long been linked to a move to MLS.

The France international even told Le Figaro two years ago (h/t Dylan Butler of MLS Soccer) he'd love to play in the United States, but it won't be for Miami anytime soon.

Although Griezmann is beginning to start the twilight of his career at age 32, he still has plenty of energy left to continue to play for Atlético Madrid for another three years.

Miami also seems to be focused on other realistic targets who will help bolster their roster, namely Busquets and Alba.

Ultimately, while Griezmann's future is with Los Rojiblancos until 2026, there is a good chance he will finish out his career in MLS.