5 Dream Player Transfers to Join Lionel Messi and Inter Miami

The Major League Soccer playoffs aren't a cakewalk, and Inter Miami learned the hard way.

While it's absurd to suggest a roster that set the all-time single-season points record needs a refresh, that prospect is something they may have to do in the offseason.

Though it won't be a complete overhaul, there are several positions that the men in pink can improve upon.

After crashing out of the MLS Cup playoffs after losing their opening-round series to Atlanta United, the South Florida team must do some soul-searching.

With 2025 likely being the last year the Barcelona four will play together, the clock is ticking for the Herons.

Due to these constraints, the Miami front office may look for a cap-friendly, "plug-and-play" type of player on a free transfer who can instantly help elevate the team and cover the cracks that led to their early playoff exit.

Whoever that may be, they'll only have a year with a full-strength roster to help the club fulfill its dreams.

Here are five dream players who could help and join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.

It's almost inevitable, right?

Messi, Suarez and Neymar made up one of the peak attacking trios in the 2010s. It would be ludicrous if Inter Miami didn't at least make an attempt at the Brazilian.

The rumors have heated up over the last few months, especially after it was reported that the 32-year-old had purchased a $26 million waterfront property in Miami.

Additionally, according to UOL (h/t the Daily Mirror), Al Hilal could also be terminating Neymar's contract early, freeing him to sign for any club in 2025.

Though the Herons have plenty of attacking firepower, this move would make sense.

Miami's only out-and-out wingers are: Lionel Messi, who hasn't played as a true winger in a decade; Robert Taylor, whose production dipped at the end of 2024; Leo Afonso, a highly rated academy player coming off an injury; and Facundo Farias, who's also coming off an injury.

During the season, Miami manager Tata Martino was forced to shoehorn midfielder Diego Gomez into the left-wing role because of his lack of options at the position.

Should Neymar join the team next summer, the ex-Barcelona man would not only bring even more eyes to a star-studded roster, but he'd also fill a position of need for the Herons as they look to win MLS Cup.

He would also be reunited with his former teammates, which would be a bonus.

With the recent news that Paul Pogba's doping suspension has been shortened, rumors will, naturally, swirl that his next club could be Inter Miami.

It's not for nothing, though.

Pogba has been spotted at multiple Miami matches in 2024, and the club has a history of signing former Juventus, World Cup-winning French midfielders.

With an eye for flair, much like Miami's current roster, Pogba and the Herons would be a match made in heaven.

However, the biggest question will be: Where would Pogba play in Miami's already stacked midfield?

Federico Redondo, Sergio Busquets, Benjamin Cremaschi, Matias Rojas, Yannick Bright and Julian Gressel have all contributed meaningful minutes for Miami in the center of the field.

A midfield trio of Busquets, Redondo and a player like Pogba is enticing. The Frenchman's flair, passing ability and vision would be another creative outlet in Miami's midfield.

Though pipe dreams of Pogba pinging long balls over the top to Messi are welcomed, should the 31-year-old join in early 2025, questions about his sharpness and fitness will, undoubtedly, surround him and the club.

If Miami is willing to take the risk, though, Pogba's quality would bring some added dynamism to South Florida.

Antoine Griezmann would be an interesting player for Miami to have within its squad.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has spoken at length about his intentions to move to MLS one day. He's also heavily immersed himself in U.S. culture as shown by his basketball fanaticism.

Although his contract with Atlético Madrid doesn't end until 2026, Inter Miami could surprise everyone by signing the 33-year-old next summer.

However, there are some drawbacks.

For one, the Griezmann-Messi experiment was already attempted when the duo played at Barcelona.

Often, that meant the Frenchman was played out of position to make room for the Argentina international. Should they reunite in MLS, Miami will have a similar problem, which may eventually lead to Griezmann getting sidelined once again.

Also, there have been reports that LAFC was close to acquiring him this past summer, effectively shutting the door for any move to Fort Lauderdale.

Though Griezmann to Miami would be a fairy tale, the attacker would be an added surplus to an already potent offense.

Inter Miami's scouting department seems to focus on two things: Is he Argentine, or is he South American?

Based on that criteria, AS Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes would be a natural fit for Inter Miami's Club de Amigos.

The 30-year-old would be another deep-lying playmaker added to Miami's ranks should the club decide to go after him.

During his time at Paris Saint-Germain, the midfielder was adept at playing as a regista, recycling possession and pushing the team forward.

At Inter Miami, especially if Martino decides to permanently play Sergio Busquets as a center-back, Paredes would have free rein to help in the attacking buildup.

With Messi being the world's greatest recruiting tool, Paredes should have no qualms about swapping Italy for Florida for increased playing time, especially when he's out of favor at Roma.

He's not a star by any means, but Iñigo Martínez could be the ideal answer for most of Inter Miami's defensive woes.

The 33-year-old is a defender and currently plays for Barcelona. Given Miami's knack for going after former Camp Nou stars, that should be enough.

Joking aside, Martínez is a bit on the older side, but that's never stopped Miami before.

Furthermore, though his age may be considered a downside due to the club's young center-back core (Tomas Avilés, 20, Noah Allen, 20, Ian Fray, 22, etc.), some experience would do the group some good.

Also, Martinez is one of the best-performing center backs in La Liga. A potential switch to South Florida would see Miami acquire a defender who's still playing at the highest level.

With his contract at Barca set to expire next summer, Martínez could be a no-brainer option for the Inter Miami front office if it's in need of an experienced central defender.

Convincing the Spain international would be difficult. Barcelona are flying high atop of the La Liga table, and Martinez may want to extend his contract.

With Messi at the recruiting table, though, any head can be turned.