Casemiro Boosts Miami
Casemiro Debuts with Inter Miami, Praising Messi and Targeting More Trophies
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Key Points
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Messi's current MLS impact is highlighted by 12 goals in 14 games and 20 goal contributions midseason, keeping him in the race for both the MLS Golden Boot and MVP.
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If Messi and De Paul are not ready for the Columbus match, Inter Miami will turn to their Leagues Cup push, with the team set to open the Leagues Cup on Wednesday against Atlético San Luis.
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Casemiro joined Inter Miami on a free transfer from Manchester United and debuted in a 1-0 win over CF Montreal; he also praised Erling Haaland after Brazil's World Cup exit and reiterated his desire to help Messi win more titles.
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Sergio Busquets left the club last season, and Inter Miami currently sit second in the Eastern Conference with 37 points, two behind Nashville, as they prepare to begin their Leagues Cup campaign next Wednesday.
Casemiro has signed with Inter Miami on a free transfer from Manchester United, debuting in a 1-0 win over CF Montréal on July 25 and immediately declaring Lionel Messi "one of the gods of football, if not the God of football himself." The veteran Brazilian midfielder, 34, joins a club riding a six-game MLS winning streak and sitting second in the Eastern Conference with 37 points, just two behind Nashville SC. Myrtle Beach Online reported that Messi and Rodrigo De Paul have both returned to training after a week off following Argentina's 1-0 World Cup final loss to Spain.
Casemiro's arrival fills the defensive midfield void left by Sergio Busquets, who retired after the 2025 MLS season. His signing cost Inter Miami nothing in transfer fees — his Manchester United contract expired June 30. The club now turns its attention to a Columbus Crew clash on August 1 and a Leagues Cup opener against Atlético San Luis on August 5.
Casemiro Calls Messi a God After Years of El Clásico Battles
Casemiro spent nearly a decade facing Messi as a rival at Real Madrid. Now he is his teammate. At his official unveiling on July 31, the Brazilian did not hold back. "The amount of trouble Messi gave me," he said. "I am very happy to be alongside him now and I want to continue winning titles with him." He said his clear goal is to help Messi win more trophies.
Casemiro also said Miami was his first choice over options in Europe. Co-owner David Beckham called himself "delighted" that Casemiro picked Miami. The midfielder signed a deal through the 2027 season, with a club option to extend to June 2029. He played the full 90 minutes in his debut, with Luis Suárez scoring the only goal via a Panenka penalty in the 81st minute.
Messi's Stunning Stats Keep Miami in Title Hunt
Even after missing two matches for the World Cup break, Messi leads Inter Miami's attack. Mahoning Matters reported he has 12 goals and 20 total goal contributions in just 14 MLS games. That pace keeps him firmly in the race for the MLS Golden Boot and the MVP award. Messi also recorded 8 goals and 4 assists across the 2026 World Cup, breaking the all-time record for career World Cup goals.
Coach Ángel Guillermo Hoyos confirmed on July 30 that Messi and De Paul are back in training. If either is not ready for the Columbus match, Miami will shift focus to the Leagues Cup. The Messi-Casemiro partnership is expected to fully debut on August 5 against Atlético San Luis.
How Casemiro Plugs Miami's Defensive Midfield Gap
Busquets' retirement left a huge hole at the base of Miami's midfield. Casemiro is a direct answer. During his time at Manchester United, he averaged 2.98 tackles and 5.81 duels won per game. He reads the game well and holds his position. That lets Messi and Suárez push forward without worrying about gaps behind them.
MLS roster rules added complexity to the deal. The LA Galaxy held Casemiro's discovery rights — a league rule that gives one club priority over an incoming player. Inter Miami had to pay Los Angeles to acquire those rights. Because Miami's three Designated Player slots are taken by Messi, De Paul, and Germán Berterame, Casemiro will play under a lower-cost Targeted Allocation Money deal in 2026, with a path to a full Designated Player contract in 2027. MLS is currently investigating the transfer for potential tampering.
Haaland Praise and a Painful World Cup Exit for Brazil
Brazil did not make it far in the 2026 World Cup. Norway knocked them out, and Casemiro acknowledged the pain. "We're talking about a team that has one of the best number 9s in the world, Haaland," he said. "He scored twice. It hurts to talk about the World Cup." It was a rare moment of candor from a player known for his stoic presence.
The debut in Montreal was also dramatic for another reason. Miami striker Germán Berterame suffered a severe aerial collision during the match and was knocked unconscious. He was taken to Montreal General Hospital. The club confirmed he was discharged the next day with left shoulder and nose injuries. Despite the scare, Inter Miami held on for the win and extended their streak to six straight.
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