For a team winning an MLS Cup, there are only two guaranteed returns: the trophy itself and a modest cash prize. However, it seems that Inter Miami is bucking this trend by reloading for 2026 in a manner no other MLS team could have matched.
The franchise's ability to attract high-powered offseason additions without sacrificing its competitiveness is unprecedented. The latest signing of Monterrey striker Germán Berterame has further solidified the team's roster, and it's clear that Inter Miami is operating on a different plane than its rivals.
One reason for this disparity lies in the strict rules governing MLS roster building. Teams can sign six marquee players who hit the salary cap at different levels, but these signings often require trade-offs elsewhere on the field. Nashville SC's decision to allocate its open designated player spot to an Argentine winger, Cristian Espinoza, is a case in point.
The issue of top talent seeking raises and potentially leaving teams due to market forces also comes into play. MLS players are often courted by overseas clubs, which can make it difficult for teams to retain their best players. The introduction of "cash transfers" has created a rich internal market for players, but this dynamic is still relatively new.
In contrast, Inter Miami's situation could hardly be more different. They've lost several key players due to retirement or departures, and the only surefire answer to these problems was bringing in Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar has had an extraordinary impact on the team, and his presence seems to have set off a domino effect, attracting other high-caliber signings.
The acquisition of Dayne St Clair, Canada's likely World Cup starter, is just one example of how Inter Miami can operate outside of the standard rules that apply to other teams. The club's willingness to make sweetheart deals and sign players at cut-rate prices has given it a unique advantage in the offseason. Meanwhile, rivals like Los Angeles FC are struggling to attract top talent, with even a player as high-profile as Son Heung-min unable to sway Denis Bouanga away from Miami.
The situation highlights both the benefits and drawbacks of MLS's rules-driven approach to roster building. On one hand, it allows teams like Inter Miami to operate in a way that no other team can, but on the other hand, it creates an uneven playing field for those who don't have access to stars like Messi. When Messi eventually leaves the club, as he inevitably will, we'll likely see a return to more traditional roster-building challenges. For now, though, Inter Miami is basking in its unprecedented success and enjoying the benefits of having one of the most valuable assets in the league on their side.
The franchise's ability to attract high-powered offseason additions without sacrificing its competitiveness is unprecedented. The latest signing of Monterrey striker Germán Berterame has further solidified the team's roster, and it's clear that Inter Miami is operating on a different plane than its rivals.
One reason for this disparity lies in the strict rules governing MLS roster building. Teams can sign six marquee players who hit the salary cap at different levels, but these signings often require trade-offs elsewhere on the field. Nashville SC's decision to allocate its open designated player spot to an Argentine winger, Cristian Espinoza, is a case in point.
The issue of top talent seeking raises and potentially leaving teams due to market forces also comes into play. MLS players are often courted by overseas clubs, which can make it difficult for teams to retain their best players. The introduction of "cash transfers" has created a rich internal market for players, but this dynamic is still relatively new.
In contrast, Inter Miami's situation could hardly be more different. They've lost several key players due to retirement or departures, and the only surefire answer to these problems was bringing in Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar has had an extraordinary impact on the team, and his presence seems to have set off a domino effect, attracting other high-caliber signings.
The acquisition of Dayne St Clair, Canada's likely World Cup starter, is just one example of how Inter Miami can operate outside of the standard rules that apply to other teams. The club's willingness to make sweetheart deals and sign players at cut-rate prices has given it a unique advantage in the offseason. Meanwhile, rivals like Los Angeles FC are struggling to attract top talent, with even a player as high-profile as Son Heung-min unable to sway Denis Bouanga away from Miami.
The situation highlights both the benefits and drawbacks of MLS's rules-driven approach to roster building. On one hand, it allows teams like Inter Miami to operate in a way that no other team can, but on the other hand, it creates an uneven playing field for those who don't have access to stars like Messi. When Messi eventually leaves the club, as he inevitably will, we'll likely see a return to more traditional roster-building challenges. For now, though, Inter Miami is basking in its unprecedented success and enjoying the benefits of having one of the most valuable assets in the league on their side.
I'm loving how Inter Miami is killing it this offseason! They're basically writing their own rules when it comes to signing top talent. I mean, who else can say they've lured in a superstar like Messi? 
It's crazy to see them swoop in and sign guys at cut-rate prices, just because they have the clout to do so. The MLS roster building rules are definitely creating an uneven playing field, but Inter Miami is taking full advantage of that. 
They're basically getting what everyone else wants, and then some! 
I'm intrigued to see how this all plays out in 2026, especially when Messi inevitably leaves. Will they be able to maintain their level of success? Only time will tell... 
️ The way Inter Miami's roster is shaping up is pretty wild. I think it's great that they've been able to bring in some big-name players like Germán Berterame, but at the same time, it does feel like they're getting away with things that other teams can't do. 
! They're literally changing the game with their roster moves, it's wild to see how they're operating outside of the rules 
. The fact that they can sign players like Berterame and Dayne St Clair without worrying about breaking the bank is a game-changer 
. It's also interesting to see how the "cash transfers" thing is affecting player movement in MLS, it's creating this whole new dynamic 
. It's gonna be fun to watch how this all plays out and how the rest of the league adapts 
.
️! He's brought an entirely new level of excitement and talent to the league, and I think we'll see more teams trying to follow in his footsteps 
. Los Angeles FC needs to step up their game ASAP 
or else they're gonna get left behind 
.
. The thing that really stands out is how Inter Miami is able to make these sweetheart deals without sacrificing their competitiveness... I'm curious to see how this plays out when Messi inevitably leaves 
. I mean, they're basically creating a new team every season like that. It's crazy to think about how different it is from teams like LAFC who are struggling to sign players 
. The thing that puzzles me most is how they manage to make these "sweetheart deals" work 
but seriously tho, this raises some good points about the MLS rules and how they impact teams. can't wait to see what happens when messi leaves tho 
! They're literally rewriting the playbook when it comes to roster building 
. I mean, who needs a bunch of mediocre signings when you can bring in someone like Lionel Messi 
.
. I feel bad for LAFC trying to attract Son Heung-min 
. It's not always pretty, but it's working for them 
It's like they're playing with a different set of cards, and it's amazing to watch. The fact that Messi was able to bring so much attention and talent to the team is just incredible 
It's definitely an interesting dynamic to watch unfold, and I'm excited to see how Inter Miami manages to balance their desire for success with the need to build sustainable depth within the team 
. I mean, who else can just bring in a superstar like Messi and make it work? 
. The rules in MLS are definitely in place to level the playing field, but Inter Miami is showing that with enough money and talent, you can still find a way to get ahead 
.
️ players left & right. 
It's crazy how Messi just walked in & changed everything. 
The guy is a god on the pitch, and it's no wonder he's drawing in all these big-name players. But at the same time, it's frustrating for other teams who can't compete with that kind of talent. I mean, what's fair when you're operating on a different level than everyone else?
). Will they still be able to maintain their level of success? Only time will tell!
The MLS team that's really breaking the mold here is clearly Inter Miami, with their ability to attract high-powered offseason additions without sacrificing competitiveness being a game-changer. I think it's no coincidence that they're able to do this due to the unique circumstances surrounding Lionel Messi's arrival – having him on board seems to be drawing in other top talent like Dayne St Clair. 
it's crazy to think that a team can just poach the best talent without having to make those tough roster decisions like other teams have to 
it's all about who you can get for your money in mls 
. They're basically playing by different rules than everyone else, it's wild! Like, they get to sign Messi and then suddenly everyone wants to join them too 
.
. I mean, no team can just sign Messi out of nowhere and expect everything else to fall into place. It's like Inter Miami is cheating or something. And what's next? They'll just go out and buy every other big player in MLS too? This whole thing reeks of an unfair advantage.