Inter Miami add highly rated midfielder and forward to Lionel Messi-led squad 

Inter Miami have made their first two additions to play alongside Lionel Messi for the 2025 MLS season following the completion of the MLS SuperDraft. The Herons selected midfielder Bailey Sparks and forward Michael Appiah in the draft to join up Javier Mascherano's squad.

Mascherano's side have been active with outgoings, losing CJ dos Santos to San Diego FC in the Expansion Draft and trading Leonardo Campana and Diego Gomez. They have been linked with several players as they prepare to defend their Supporters' Shield title, but their first additions have been made via the draft.

Midfielder Bailey Sparks was selected from Southern Methodist University, where he represented the SMU Mustangs, as the 52nd pick in the draft. The 21-year-old midfielder made 21 appearances in the 2024 season, scoring nine goals and providing 10 assists for his side. He earned First Team All-ACC honours and was ranked as the number 12 player in the country by Top Drawer Soccer.

Ghanaian forward Michael Appiah was selected from Florida International University as the 82nd overall pick in the draft. He scored four times in 18 appearances for the Florida International University Panthers in the 2024 season.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami know the value of draft selections, seeing as midfielder Yannick Bright enjoyed a successful season after his selection last year. The 23-year-old made 25 regular season appearances, contributing two assists as his side were the best in the 2024 regular season.

The Herons have also gotten $50,000 in General Allocation Money for their draft selections for 2025. Following the SuperDraft, the club will now turn their attention to try and sign more top-level players to play alongside Lionel Messi for the side.

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami announce second pre-season friendly ahead of MLS opener

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will face Liga MX outfit Club America in their first pre-season game of 2025, the club has announced. The Herons had previously announced a friendly against fellow MLS side Orlando City, as well.

Javier Mascherano will begin his reign as the Herons boss in Las Vegas on January 18 when his side face three-time reigning Liga MX champions Club America. The Supporters' Shield holders will play in Las Vegas for the first time, and will face the Mexican club for the first time as well.

Inter Miami will also face Orlando City on February 14 in their last pre-season game ahead of the commencement of the 2025 season. Their season will begin with a game against New York City FC on February 22.