Inter Miami are making waves in the transfer market, relentlessly building a powerhouse squad around their talisman, Lionel Messi. Fresh off securing a €15 million deal for Atletico Madrid’s midfield maestro Rodrigo De Paul, the MLS club are now poised to orchestrate a sensational reunion that could send shockwaves through the soccer world. According to transfer insider Ekrem Konur, Inter Miami have set their sights on Real Betis’ veteran defender Marc Bartra, a former Barcelona teammate of Messi, to bolster their back line.
Bartra, a 34-year-old center back and product of Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy, is no stranger to success alongside Messi. Between 2009 and 2016, he featured in 103 matches for the Catalan giants, including 74 appearances with the Argentine legend during one of Barcelona’s golden eras. A reunion in Miami would not only bring a familiar face to Messi’s side but also add a seasoned leader to a defense in desperate need of reinforcement.
Inter Miami’s urgency to strengthen their back line stems from recent challenges, including the departure of David Martinez, who returned to River Plate from loan before joining Olimpia in Paraguay, and persistent injury concerns among their current defenders. Bartra, contracted to Real Betis until 2027, is a locker-room pillar for the Spanish side, which could make negotiations tricky. To secure his signature, Inter Miami may need to present a lucrative offer or rely on Bartra’s personal desire to join Messi in the MLS spotlight.
Beyond their defensive ambitions, Inter Miami are also eyeing attacking reinforcements to complement their star-studded roster. Konur reports that the club have expressed keen interest in Facundo Pellistri, a 23-year-old Uruguayan winger who dazzled at Panathinaikos last season. Pellistri, who transferred from Manchester United to the Greek outfit for €6 million, made 36 appearances, scoring four goals and providing five assists while cementing his place in Uruguay’s national team.
With his contract running until 2028, Panathinaikos are open to negotiations but will likely demand a hefty fee for their dynamic winger. Given Inter Miami’s recent heavy spending on De Paul, navigating the financial demands for Pellistri could prove challenging. However, with the MLS transfer window open until August 21, the Herons have time to pull off another blockbuster move.
Inter Miami’s aggressive transfer strategy underscores their ambition to dominate the MLS and build a team worthy of Messi’s legacy. A potential reunion with Bartra would add defensive steel and invaluable experience, while Pellistri’s youthful energy and flair could ignite their attack. As the transfer window races toward its close, all eyes are on Miami to see if they can land these high-profile targets and create a squad capable of rewriting MLS history. The Messi era in Florida is only getting started, and the best may be yet to come.