Inter Miami 2026 Lineup Predictions and New Signings That Could Boost Trophy Chances
Inter Miami is heading into the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season with a significantly different team from the one that won the 2025 MLS Cup. After lifting their first league championship less than three months ago, the club enters the new season with a roster reshaped by retirements and high-impact signings that could push them toward more trophies in 2026.
Several legendary players, including Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, retired after the historic MLS Cup run, leaving space for fresh talent to help Inter Miami compete on multiple fronts next season.
The Herons also addressed their goalkeeper position by signing Dayne St. Clair, the 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. With St. Clair, Miami now has a clear number one in goal throughout the season.
Another defensive reinforcement comes in the form of Micael, a center back returning from Brazil’s top flight and expected to partner with Maxi Falcón to strengthen Miami’s back line.
Goalkeeper: Dayne St. Clair – Expected to take the starting role after his breakout performances last season.
Right Back: Ian Fray – Now a full Jamaican international, Fray will look to build on strong overlapping play, with Facundo Mura ready to step in if needed.
Center Backs: Maxi Falcón and Micael – This pairing combines leadership and defensive experience to help stabilize Miami’s defense.
Left Back: Sergio Reguilón – A former La Liga and Premier League defender expected to offer strong attacking support from the left side.
Defensive Midfielders: Yannick Bright and Rodrigo De Paul – Bright will fill the midfield anchor role without Busquets, while De Paul aims to establish himself as a consistent presence in the center of the pitch.
Right Midfielder: Tadeo Allende – Now a permanent Inter Miami player after coming from La Liga’s Celta Vigo, Allende brings speed and playmaking ability to the attacking midfield.
Attacking Midfielder: Lionel Messi – Messi returns to a more classic No. 10 role in this formation, using his vision and creativity to unlock defenses and build goal opportunities.
Left Midfielder: Mateo Silvetti – A young Argentine talent, Silvetti offers pace and the ability to link up play on the left flank.
Striker: Germán Berterame – With a proven goalscoring record, Berterame could become a focal point in Miami’s attack and a contender for the MLS Golden Boot.
Depth will also be key in a season that could include more than 50 matches, especially if Miami competes in international tournaments and playoffs.
Several legendary players, including Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, retired after the historic MLS Cup run, leaving space for fresh talent to help Inter Miami compete on multiple fronts next season.
A New Look After the Offseason
One of the biggest offseason stories for Inter Miami was their club record transfer to bring in striker Germán Berterame from Liga MX. This addition gives manager Javier Mascherano a more defined attacking option and helps balance the team’s style by allowing goalscoring responsibility to be spread beyond one player.The Herons also addressed their goalkeeper position by signing Dayne St. Clair, the 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. With St. Clair, Miami now has a clear number one in goal throughout the season.
Another defensive reinforcement comes in the form of Micael, a center back returning from Brazil’s top flight and expected to partner with Maxi Falcón to strengthen Miami’s back line.
Inter Miami’s Possible 2026 Starting XI
Here’s how Inter Miami could line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation if all key players are fit and available for the new MLS season:Goalkeeper: Dayne St. Clair – Expected to take the starting role after his breakout performances last season.
Right Back: Ian Fray – Now a full Jamaican international, Fray will look to build on strong overlapping play, with Facundo Mura ready to step in if needed.
Center Backs: Maxi Falcón and Micael – This pairing combines leadership and defensive experience to help stabilize Miami’s defense.
Left Back: Sergio Reguilón – A former La Liga and Premier League defender expected to offer strong attacking support from the left side.
Defensive Midfielders: Yannick Bright and Rodrigo De Paul – Bright will fill the midfield anchor role without Busquets, while De Paul aims to establish himself as a consistent presence in the center of the pitch.
Right Midfielder: Tadeo Allende – Now a permanent Inter Miami player after coming from La Liga’s Celta Vigo, Allende brings speed and playmaking ability to the attacking midfield.
Attacking Midfielder: Lionel Messi – Messi returns to a more classic No. 10 role in this formation, using his vision and creativity to unlock defenses and build goal opportunities.
Left Midfielder: Mateo Silvetti – A young Argentine talent, Silvetti offers pace and the ability to link up play on the left flank.
Striker: Germán Berterame – With a proven goalscoring record, Berterame could become a focal point in Miami’s attack and a contender for the MLS Golden Boot.
What This Lineup Suggests for Trophy Ambitions
This 2026 projected lineup reflects Inter Miami’s balance of experienced talent and rising stars. With Lionel Messi playing a pivotal creative role and new attackers like Berterame added, the team looks poised to challenge for trophies beyond the MLS regular season.Depth will also be key in a season that could include more than 50 matches, especially if Miami competes in international tournaments and playoffs.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 MLS Season
As Inter Miami heads into the new season with a refreshed roster and a possible championship-defending mentality, fans will be watching closely to see how these new signings fit into the tactical setup. The combination of elite players, tactical flexibility, and strong offseason moves gives Miami a compelling case to aim for consistency and silverware next year in MLS action.Next Story