"Really bad decision", "Miami are going to miss him" - Fans react as Lionel Messi's Inter Miami sell star player to rivals

Inter Miami fans have been disappointed after the club sold Leonardo Campana, their record goalscorer before Lionel Messi, to the New England Revolution. The Ecuadorian striker has completed a move to the MLS side for a league trade-record $2.5 million in General Allocation Money.

Former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Campana joined Inter Miami in 2022 on loan from the Premier League side before signing permanently in 2023. The Ecuador international signed a deal with the Herons to keep him at the club until 2025, with an option for a further year.

Leonardo Campana's trade to the New England Revolution is the most expensive in the history of the MLS at $2.5 million, with potentially $750,000 more if certain conditions are met. Inter Miami will also receive an unspecified sell-on percentage on any future deals for the striker from New England Revolution as part of their agreement.

Campana appears unhappy, making just 14 starts in the MLS during the 2024 season after the signing of Luis Suarez in addition to Lionel Messi. The 24-year-old's exit leaves the Herons with international roster spots for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Inter Miami fans were unhappy to see the striker go, and they made this known via X.

A fan referred to the trade as a really bad decision from the club.

"Reaaally bad decision 😒", they wrote.

Another fan praised him, pointing out that the club will miss him.

"Decent player, Miami are going to miss Leo", they posted.

Another fan praised the striker for his impact, pointing out why he will be missed.

"Not a fan of this… Dude was a consistent goalscorer and provided a spark coming off the bench.. Gonna miss you, Leo!!", they commented.

Another fan called out the club for selling Campana.

"Whoever made this decision!!! You suck! You don’t care about trophies, only about becoming a brand 🤮🤮🤮", they wrote.

A fan asked that the deal be canceled and the player returned.

"Bring him back ASAP!!!!", they posted.

Leonardo Campana became the club's record goalscorer briefly during the 2024 season after he broke Gonzalo Higuain's record at the club. His record was broken by Lionel Messi shortly afterward and he ended his Inter Miami career with 28 goals in 80 appearances. Campana scored eight goals and provided three assists for the Herons in their record-breaking 2024 regular season campaign.

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami set to kick off 2025 MLS season

Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team will kick off the 2025 MLS season after the schedule for the new season was revealed. The Supporters' Shield holders will enter the new season under new management after Javier Mascherano took over as manager.

The Herons will face New York City FC in the first game of the 2025 season at their Chase Stadium home on February 22.

Other games on the first matchday will take place afterwards on the same day and the next day. Their season will run through until October 18th, the final day of the regular season.

Lionel Messi and his teammates have already lost two key players in Diego Gomez and Leonardo Campana this off-season. They will be keen to replace the duo with established stars as they prepare to defend the Supporters Shield and feature in the FIFA Club World Cup.