Lionel Messi's Inter Miami likely to sign midfielder who rejected Premier League move this summer: Reports

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami are the most likely MLS side to acquire the services of Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, according to Planet Sport. The latter rejected a move to join Aston Villa earlier this summer after failing to agree on personal terms with Unai Emery's side.

McKennie joined Juventus in 2020 and has made 134 appearances across all competitions for the Serie A outfit, scoring 13 goals and providing 15 assists. He is known for his versatility in midfield, having been deployed as a No. 6, wide, and central midfielder, with his strengths lying in his work rate and ability to win the ball back.

In addition, the 25-year-old helped Juventus win three trophies. However, following Thiago Motta's appointment as manager this summer, he reportedly no longer has a future at the club.

McKennie was linked in a potential swap deal for Douglas Luiz at Aston Villa, but couldn't agree on personal terms, and was ultimately replaced by Enzo Barrenechea.

The USMNT international is now likely to join Inter Miami to ply his trade alongside football icons including Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets. McKennie is currently valued at $20 million, which the Herons could struggle to pay, amid the former being linked to FC Cincinnati as well.

In order for Lionel Messi and Co. to fit McKennie into their salary structure, the transfer could take place in 2025 at the end of the current season.

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Inter Miami cruise to 3-1 win against Toronto despite being without Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi suffered an ankle injury during Argentina's 1-0 win against Colombia in the 2024 Copa America final on July 14. This led to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner being sidelined for Inter Miami's MLS fixture against Toronto.

Fortunately, the Herons took care of business, winning 3-1 at the Chase Stadium on Wednesday, July 17.

Inter Miami were also without Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets but this didn't affect them as Diego Gomez broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute. Federico Redondo netted a quickfire brace (53', 59') in the second half to give them a dominant 3-0 lead.

Derrick Etienne Jr. scored a consolation goal for Toronto in the 79th minute but that did little to turn the game on its head.

Lionel Messi hasn't featured for the Herons since joining up with the Argentina national team last month for the Copa America. He has had an excellent season so far, garnering 14 goals and 11 assists in 15 appearances in total.

Inter Miami remain at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings with 50 points from 24 games.