In the midst of gearing up for an exciting slate of preseason friendlies across Latin America, Inter Miami is shaking up its roster with a bittersweet change. The club has mutually terminated the contract of veteran goalkeeper Oscar Ustari—a steadfast Argentine teammate of Lionel Messi—while welcoming the dynamic arrival of Canadian international Dayne St. Clair, a powerhouse addition poised to solidify the team’s goalkeeping fortress ahead of the 2026 season. This move underscores Inter Miami’s relentless drive to assemble a championship-caliber squad, blending experience with fresh talent as they eye continued dominance in MLS and beyond.
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Farewell to a Loyal Veteran: Oscar Ustari’s Impactful Tenure
Oscar Ustari’s journey with Inter Miami, though brief, was nothing short of legendary. Joining the Herons in September 2024 from Chilean side Audax Italiano, the 40-year-old shot-stopper quickly became a pillar of stability. Clocking over 3,000 minutes across 40 appearances, Ustari notched nine clean sheets while conceding 61 goals in high-stakes competitions like the MLS, Concacaf Champions Cup, 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, and Leagues Cup.
His contributions were instrumental during one of the club’s most triumphant eras. Ustari stepped up heroically in the Club World Cup when primary keeper Drake Callender was injured, helping propel Inter Miami to historic victories—including their first MLS Cup, the Supporters’ Shield, and a record-breaking single-season points haul in league play. Yet, after battling a shoulder injury, Ustari found himself displaced by emerging talent Rocco Ríos Novo, another Argentine who claimed the starting spot in the MLS Cup final.
Ustari’s bond with Messi adds a poignant layer to his departure. The duo first teamed up over two decades ago, lifting the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands—a triumph that kickstarted their illustrious careers. Now a free agent, Ustari leaves behind a legacy of leadership and resilience, having navigated a globetrotting career that spanned clubs like Independiente (where he debuted in 2005), Getafe, Boca Juniors, Almería, Sunderland, Newell’s Old Boys, Atlas, Liverpool Montevideo, Pachuca, and Audax Italiano. At 40, this seasoned pro’s next chapter remains unwritten, but his mark on Inter Miami’s golden run is indelible.
A Powerful New Era in Goal: Dayne St. Clair Steps Up
As Ustari bids adieu, Inter Miami turns the page with the electrifying signing of Dayne St. Clair, the Canadian national team standout whose arrival signals a bold upgrade in the goalkeeping department. Known for his commanding presence, lightning reflexes, and exceptional distribution skills, St. Clair brings a blend of athleticism and tactical acumen that perfectly aligns with the Herons’ high-octane style. His emergence as Ustari’s replacement isn’t just a roster tweak—it’s a statement of intent, injecting fresh energy into a position that’s crucial for title defenses.
St. Clair’s proven track record with Canada and his previous MLS exploits make him a “powerful” addition in every sense. Expected to vie for the starting role alongside Ríos Novo and Callender, he adds depth and competition, ensuring Inter Miami’s backline remains impenetrable. This strategic acquisition positions the club as even stronger contenders, ready to tackle the rigors of domestic and international play.
Preseason Momentum: Building Toward Glory
Even as roster adjustments unfold, Inter Miami’s preseason preparations are in full swing, showcasing their adaptability on the road. Kicking off with a 3-0 setback against Alianza Lima, the team bounced back impressively with a 2-1 victory over Colombia’s Atlético Nacional. The tour continues with a clash against Barcelona de Guayaquil in Ecuador this Saturday, wrapping up against Independiente del Valle on Friday, February 13. These matches aren’t just tune-ups—they’re opportunities to integrate new faces like St. Clair and fine-tune the squad’s chemistry under the guidance of stars like Messi.
With Ustari’s departure marking the end of an era and St. Clair’s arrival heralding a thrilling new chapter, Inter Miami fans have every reason to be optimistic. The Herons are evolving, blending nostalgia with innovation, all in pursuit of more silverware in 2026. Stay tuned as this powerhouse team continues to captivate the soccer world.