Could Salah Join Messi at Inter Miami? MLS Transfer Speculation Heats Up

Could Salah Join Messi at Inter Miami? MLS Transfer Speculation Heats Up

"I love Messi. Messi is Messi." Those words from Mohamed Salah to ESPN are now fuelling considerable speculation in the transfer market. With the Egyptian star's departure from Liverpool now official, Inter Miami has surfaced as a legitimate landing spot — and the well-documented admiration between Salah and Lionel Messi adds credibility to what might otherwise seem like wishful thinking.

At 33 years old, Salah is leaving the club where he established himself as one of Europe's elite attacking players over the last decade. Now the focus shifts to his next move, with Major League Soccer and Saudi Arabia emerging as the primary contenders.

Messi connection carries weight

This isn't just media-driven speculation. MLS commissioner Don Garber has directly encouraged Salah to reach out to Messi and Thomas Müller to learn about their experiences in the league. "If Salah ever decides to come to Major League Soccer, we will welcome him with open arms," Garber stated publicly.

Messi himself has offered glowing praise for the Liverpool legend: "I can say that Mo Salah is the best. He is a special player." These aren't throwaway compliments typically exchanged between professionals — there's authentic mutual admiration at play, and Inter Miami could leverage that relationship.

From a roster construction standpoint, the move isn't impossible. Miami currently lists Messi and Rodrigo de Paul as designated players, which means some squad adjustments could potentially create room for another marquee signing. Salah could essentially step into the role vacated by Luis Suárez, whose contract has expired.

Saudi Pro League looms as alternative

The Saudi Pro League will undoubtedly make a significant push. As a prominent Muslim footballer, Salah represents an attractive signing for clubs in the Middle East — and the financial package available would far exceed anything MLS could assemble. While regional security issues add complexity to the decision, they haven't deterred other high-profile players from making the move.

Salah's representative, Ramy Abbas, has remained characteristically reserved. "We don't know where Mohamed will play next season. That also means that no one else knows." It's precisely the statement you'd expect when negotiations are underway and maintaining leverage matters.

  • Inter Miami have been connected to Salah but haven't submitted an official proposal
  • Saudi Arabia offers the most lucrative financial package
  • Salah's agent has confirmed no destination has been finalized
  • The MLS commissioner has personally urged Salah to consult with Messi about playing in North America

Inter Miami's championship odds will be worth tracking as this situation unfolds. An attack featuring both Messi and Salah would fundamentally transform MLS's global profile — and sportsbooks would need to adjust their lines accordingly.

"We don't know where Mohamed will play next season." That remains the only certainty at this stage. Everything else is strategic manoeuvring.