Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami seal move to sign ex-USMNT forward who now represents Haiti: Reports

Lionel Messi will have a new teammate at Inter Miami after the club reportedly finalized an agreement to sign Haiti international Fafà Picault as a free agent this winter. The experienced forward was on the books of the Vancouver Whitecaps as they finished eighth in the Western Conference in the 2024 MLS season.

Inter Miami have proven to be shrewd with their business in recent years since signing Lionel Messi as a free agent in 2023. Since then, they have also picked up the likes of Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Julian Gressel from the free-agent market.

New head coach Javier Mascherano has decided on his first major signing, and reports from the MLS indicated that Inter Miami will sign the 33-year-old striker in January. The former FC St. Pauli winger will provide competition and cover in attack after Diego Gomez and Leonardo Campana decided to leave the club.

A former USMNT star, Fafà Picault scored nine goals and provided six assists for his side in 33 regular season appearances in the MLS in 2024. Picault was close to signing with Austin FC but was drawn to Inter Miami by his Florida roots. The striker began his career in the USA playing in Miami and has now moved home to return to the city.

Picault will get the chance to play alongside Lionel Messi, Suarez, and the likes in attack for the Herons. They will surely remain active in the transfer market in January as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2025 MLS season.

Inter Miami eyeing move for another Lionel Messi compatriot - Reports

MLS outfit Inter Miami are looking to make a move to sign Argentine defender Gonzalo Lujan as part of their winter recruitment ahead of the 2025 season. The Herons have grown quite a strong Argentine contingent over the years, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Federico Redondo, and Tomas Aviles at the club.

The reigning Supporters' Shield champions are prepared to make a move to sign 23-year-old center-back Lujan on loan with an option to buy for $4 million from San Lorenzo. The defender is a known entity, having played under coach Javier Mascherano for Argentina at the Olympics in the summer.

Lujan made 27 appearances for San Lorenzo in the 2024 season, helping his side keep six clean sheets. The Herons have also been linked with San Lorenzo striker Alexis Cuello as they continue to recruit players for the new season.