Picture Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Lionel Messi-influence continues in Miami as MLS club plans move for another Barcelona quartet

It looks like another former Barcelona player is headed to Miami.

Picture Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Inter Miami is shifting its focus on the upcoming season, and in the process, they have planned a top-end recruitment strategy. However, all of Miami’s plans are influenced by Lionel Messi, who finished the season as the MVP. As per reports, Inter Miami is planning to add another former Barcelona player to their squad in MLS.

Lionel Messi influence helped Miami to improve numbers in MLS

Since his arrival in the summer of 2023, Lionel Messi has added energy to Miami, who were struggling in the MLS. Despite a shocking exit in the playoffs, the Argentine helped the Florida-based club finish top of the table and earn qualification for Club World Cup 2025.

Lionel Messi wants known faces in the team setup. Inter Miami confirmed the appointment of Javier Mascherano as a new manager who has also played with Messi in Barcelona. The MLS franchise led by co-owner David Beckham is looking to sign quality players for the season 2025.

Leo Messi with Suarez, Busquets and Alba 🏆 pic.twitter.com/kXVICr7TMl
— Leo Messi 🔟 Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) October 3, 2024

Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets were signed in the same year they signed Messi. The former has also been handed an extension. Messi also brought the ex-Catalonia quartet, Luis Suarez, to Florida in 2024. The Uruguay star has also added one more year to his contract last month.

Who’s next from Barcelona?

As per the fresh report, another former Barcelona player has been linked with Inter Miami to join the club in the offseason. A famous outlet from Argentina reported that current Real Betis defender Marc Bartra could be the first signing of the season 2025.

Inter Miami is interested in singing defender Marc Bartra, from Real Bétis.

Miami look like they are fixing to cook! pic.twitter.com/kRwaAe1fxv
— MLS Moves (@MLSMoves) December 8, 2024

Bartra made 59 appearances with Barcelona’s first team from 2010 to 2016 and has come through the Catalonia academy. The Spaniard later moved to Borussia Dortmund and rejoined La Liga with Real Betis. Barca fans know him for getting skinned by Real Madrid star Gareth Bale.

Marc Bartra said during in an interview back in 2023, “I’ve never seen anything like what Messi is doing in the MLS..it’s a spectacle. I’m glad he is happy in Miami, and also because of Busi and Alba, I talk to them often.”

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Bartra can solve Inter Miami’s defence dilemma

Inter Miami showed great character in the attack due to the addition of players like Messi and Suarez, but their backline couldn’t deliver. If we can go back to the playoff game against Atlanta United, the Herons looked pathetic in their defence.

Marc Bartra has leadership skills, and he has the experience of playing in European leagues. After leaving Barcelona in 2016, he joined Borussia Dortmund, where he had a great run of form despite injuries. Currently, he is the best defender for Real Betis.

The 33-year-old defender stands out for his aerial game and is known for one-on-one duels. He can play both as a central defender and a right-back. His contract with Betis will expire in 2025, and the Spain international can plan a move to South Florida if the deal gets better.

Image Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Barcelona

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Gulshan Sharma

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.