Inter Miami Signs Ecuador’s Allen Obando On Loan Through End of 2025 MLS Season

Posted on March 25, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Allen Obando is heading to The Sunshine State.

Inter Miami has signed the 18-year-old Ecuadorian footballer, who plays forward, from Barcelona Sporting Club on loan through the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, with an option to make the transfer permanent in December.

In exchange for Obando’s discovery rights, Inter Miami traded $100,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM) and $50,000 in 2026 GAM to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the club announced Tuesday.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to continue my career with a new challenge at a great club like Inter Miami,” Obando said in the club’s statement. “I’m ready to get to work to continue growing as a player and help my teammates and the Club fight for our objectives this season.”

Obando joins the club pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.

Obando kicked off his career with Barcelona de Guayaquil in Ecuador, making his debut in August 2022 at 16 years old. He went on to contribute four goals and three assists in two seasons before departing.

At the international level, Obando represented the Ecuadorian national team at different levels including the 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament and the 2025 South American U20 Championship.

Overall, he’s recorded four goals and one assist in 10 appearances while boasting the Ecuadorian national team jersey.

He made his senior national team debut in Match 2024 and has won two caps.

Obando joins Gonzalo Luján, Maximiliano Falcón, Tadeo Allende, Telasco Segovia, Baltasar Rodríguez and Fafà Picault as Miami’s signings in 2025.

Inter Miami remains unbeaten in the 2025 campaign, sitting in third place on the MLS Eastern Conference table with 10 points in four games and reaching the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, where it will face LAFC.

Miguel Almirón Returning to Atlanta United

Posted on January 30, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Miguel Almirón is making a triumphant return.

The 30-year-old Paraguayan professional footballer has rejoined his former side Atlanta United from Newcastle United on a permanent deal, the MLS side confirmed.

It brings an end to the forward’s five-year spell at St. James’ Park, where he made over 200 appearances and scored 30 goals.

The Paraguay international was Newcastle’s club-record signing in 2019, when he arrived in a £20 million ($26m) deal from Atlanta.

His standout season for the club came in 2022-23, where he scored 11 goals and assisted a further four to help Newcastle secure Champions League qualification for the first time in 20 years.

Almirón was a beloved figure among the Newcastle fan base, and his goal against Paris Saint-Germain in a famous 4-1 Champions League win only further heightened his cult status.

In his first stint at Atlanta, Almirón lifted the MLS Cup in 2018.

“I’m very happy to return to Atlanta United, a club and a city that has always held a special place in my heart,” Almirón said.

“I’m grateful to Arthur M. Blank and the entire organization for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to reuniting with the fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and creating more moments of joy together.”

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe paid tribute to Almiron in a club statement.

“He has been the ultimate professional, and he has been a big part of some of our most memorable moments in recent seasons,” he said.

“He is a great person and we’ll miss him greatly, but this is the right move at the right time for him and his family and we wish them well.”

Inter Miami CF Signs Tadeo Allende from Celta Vigo on One-Year Loan

Posted on January 14, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Tadeo Allende is switching sides…

Inter Miami CF has signed the 25-year-old Argentine professional footballer from Celta Vigo on Tuesday on a one-year loan through the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season.

The Celta Vigo winger is set to join the team pending the receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

“We’re pleased to bring in attacker Tadeo Allende to further strengthen our attack. Tadeo’s versatility bolsters our options up front as he can perform in different positions across the pitch. We’re excited to bring him on board to help us compete in multiple competitions in 2025,” said president of football operations Raúl Sanllehí.

Allende joins after recording three goals in 13 appearances for Celta across all competitions since joining the team in January of 2024.

He also previously saw stints with Instituto Atletico Central Cordoba (2021) and Club Deportivo Godoy Cruz (2022 on loan and 2022 to 2023) before joining La Liga, racking up a total of 18 goals and seven assists in 117 professional appearances.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to join Inter Miami for an exciting new chapter in my career. I’m happy to be here in South Florida and I’m ready to give it my all to help the club achieve its objectives this upcoming season,” said Allende.

Allende stands as the latest signing for new manager Javier Mascherano, as he looks to build a deeper roster ahead of the 2025 campaign. Inter Miami will be participating in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup and Club World Cup in addition to the 2025 MLS season.

Mascherano said he was actively looking for players with a competitive mindset that can take on the responsibilities associated with Inter Miami.

“I would tell you [we’re looking for] the type of players, a competitive player, a player who has the ambition to come here to win things, who really wants to come because, well, we know that beyond the fact that we have players who can attract many other players,” Mascherano said to ESPN on Tuesday. “Then the responsibility has to be carried on your shoulders and that is not for everyone.

“So above all, players with a mentality, with personality and obviously with hierarchy. In the end the hierarchy in football is what determines the difference and well we will try to go for those types of players.”

Inter Miami will kick off the 2025 preseason with a friendly against Club America on Jan. 18 in Las Vegas, before embarking on a tour across South and Central America.

The team is set to be adding more players to the roster before officially kicking off the season with a Concacaf Champions Cup match against Sporting Kansas City on February 18.

San Jose Earthquakes Sign Josef Martinez on One-Year Contract

Posted on January 13, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Josef Martinez is shaking things up…

The San Jose Earthquakes have signed the 31-year-old Venezuelan professional soccer player and former MLS MVP to a one-year contract.

The deal with the free agent striker includes a club option for 2026.

Martinez tallied 11 goals in 23 matches with CF Montreal last season, his fifth Major League Soccer season with double-digit goals.

He has 116 goals and 20 assists in 184 matches with Atlanta United FC (2017-22), Inter Miami CF (2023) and Montreal.

“Josef Martinez is an accomplished goalscorer in our league and is clearly an excellent addition to our team,” Earthquakes sporting director and head coach Bruce Arena said in a news release. “We are looking forward to his contributions to our attack.”

Martinez led Atlanta to the MLS Cup in 2018, earning MVP and Golden Boot honors that season with 31 goals. The three-time MLS Best XI selection is one of 13 players in league history to score 100 goals.

“I’m happy to be here, to be part of this group and the San Jose Earthquakes,” Martinez said. “I’m very excited for the new year and hope we can make history here.”

San Jose Earthquakes Agree to Transfer Emmanuel Ochoa to Liga MX’s Cruz Azul

Posted on January 7, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Emmanuel Ochoa is heading south of the U.S./Mexico border…

The San Jose Earthquakes have agreed to terms with Cruz Azul to transfer the 19-year-old Mexican American professional soccer player and goalkeeper to the Liga MX side.

The Quakes will receive a fee of $2 million plus a percentage of any future transfer, per ESPN sources.

Ochoa is a product of San Jose’s academy, having signed a homegrown contract with the club as a 14-year-old back in 2019. At the time he was touted as the second-youngest player ever to sign a deal with a Major League Soccer (MLS) club.

The Mexico U20 international made one appearance with the Quakes’ first team in a 2024 U.S. Open Cup match, but never appeared in a league match, despite being on the bench as an unused substitute 19 times.

He made a total of 48 appearances with The Town, San Jose’s reserve team, in MLS Next Pro.

The Quakes’ starting goalkeeper spot is currently in possession of Daniel, who’s entering his third season in San Jose. The Quakes recently acquired another goalkeeper, Earl Edwards, in a trade with the New England Revolution.

At international level, Ochoa has appeared for youth sides for both the United States and Mexico, but most recently has made two appearances for Mexico’s U20 team.

Orlando City Transfer Facundo Torres to Brazil’s Palmeiras

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Facundo Torres is headed to Brazil for a hefty fee…

Orlando City SC has sent the 24-year-old Uruguayan professional footballer , a forward, to Brazil‘s Palmeiras for a reported club-record $14 million transfer fee.

Torres departs as the Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise’s all-time leading scorer after tallying 47 goals and 25 assists in 123 matches across all competitions from 2022-24.

“First, we want to thank Facu for everything he has done for this club. He has been involved in so many great moments and successes during his time here that will leave a lasting legacy in our history,” Orlando City general manager Luiz Muzzi said.

“Because of that success, Facu has generated the attention of the global market, and this is a move that, at this time, makes sense for both Facundo and Orlando City. Not only does this continue a great and established relationship with a successful club in Palmeiras, but it shows our success in developing young talent into world stars.”

Torres guided the Lions to the 2022 U.S. Open Cup title and the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs‘ Eastern Conference final.

Torres joined Orlando City as a young designated player in January 2022 for a $7.5 million transfer fee from Peñarol in his native Uruguay.

“Today I say goodbye to a club that marked an unforgettable stage in my career and in my life, my first experience as a professional away from home. Thank you to the staff, my teammates and all the people who are part of this club for the constant support and trust from the first day,” Torres said.

“I leave with pride for what we achieved together and with the satisfaction of having left my mark on this club that will always be special to me. I wish you the greatest success in the future. Thank you for everything, Orlando. I’ll miss you.”

Torres’ departure opens a designated player spot on Orlando City’s 2025 roster.

Luis Suarez Signs One-Year Contract Extension with Inter Miami CF

Posted on November 27, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Luis Suarez is staying put…

The 37-year-old Uruguayan professional footballer and Inter Miami forward, nicknamed “El Pistolero,” has signed a one-year contract extension, meaning he’ll continue to play in Major League Soccer next season.

Suarez, who joined the Herons on a one-year contract in December, tied for second place in the MLS Golden Boot race and earned a nomination to the 2024 MLS newcomer of the year award.

“I’m very happy, very excited to continue for another year and to be able to enjoy being here with this fanbase, which for us is like family. We feel very, very connected with them, and hopefully, next year, we can bring them even more joy,” Suárez said.

The forward recorded 21 goals and 10 assists in 30 MLS matches to help inspire Inter Miami to the 2024 Supporter’s Shield and set the league record for most points in a single season.

“Luis Suarez has been an amazing addition to the league, what he did this year was spectacular,” co-owner Jorge Mas said.

“In 2024, Luis brought to Inter Miami all of the elements that make him one of the greatest strikers of all time. He performed at an elite level for us, and we’re excited to see that continue next season,” added president of football operations Raúl Sanllehí. “Luis was not only our leading scorer this season, but also a leader for the group. His impact cannot be understated.”

Suarez will reunite with former Barcelona teammate Javier Mascherano, who will join the club as head coach on a two-year contract.

The two played together in LaLiga, alongside Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

Suarez’s contract extension stands as the first roster move for Inter Miami during the offseason, with more expected as the deadline to exercise options and submit bona fide offers approaches on November 27.

Lionel Messi Named Finalist for Major League Soccer’s 2024 MLS MVP Award

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Lionel Messi is in the running for Major League Soccer’s highest player award.

The 37-year-old Argentine professional footballer has been named a finalist for the 2024 MLS MVP award, joining his Inter Miami CF teammate Luis Suárez, as well as Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernández, Portland Timbers’ Evander and D.C. United’s Christian Benteke on the list.Each player met the new qualifying regulations that require a minimum of 1,000 minutes played in the regular season campaign.

Messi earned his second nomination for the award since joining MLS in July 2023. Though the forward failed to win the award last season, he’s being considered the leading candidate in 2024 after contributing 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 games.

Despite concerns over his lack of participation throughout the 34-match campaign, playing only 55% of games, teammate Jordi Alba has insisted that Messi must win MVP.

“Regarding Leo, I repeat myself, every time you ask me, I think he deserves all the awards they can give him, I think he is the best player in the world, with a lot of intensity compared to the rest and until he retires,” he said on Friday. “I’m sure he’ll win the MVP and if he doesn’t win it, well, it’s no longer anyone’s decision, it’s the people who vote but hey, for me he’s the best.”

Messi’s contributions in 2024 propelled Inter Miami to lift the Supporters’ Shield and set the new league record for most points recorded in a single season.

Suárez, on the other hand, has recorded 20 goals and nine assists in 27 games in his first MLS season after joining Inter Miami in December 2023. He also stands as a finalist for Newcomer of the Year.

The forward adjusted quickly, tying for second place on the Golden Boot rankings with Messi and Dénis Bouanga. Together, Messi and Suárez account for 40 of the team’s 79 goals this season.

Benteke won the Golden Boot with 23 goals this season, but his D.C. United team failed to make the MLS Playoffs, while Evander impressed in the Western Conference with15 goals and 19 assists before the Timbers fell 5-0 to the Vancouver Whitecaps in Wednesday’s wild-card match.

Hernández, the reigning MLS Cup MVP, propelled the Columbus Crew to second place on the Eastern Conference table with 19 goals and 14 assists.

Other award finalists include: Chris Armas (Colorado Rapids), Gerardo “Tata” Martino (Inter Miami CF) and Wilfried Nancy (Columbus Crew) for Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year.

Luca Orellano (FC Cincinnati), Gabriel Pec (LA Galaxy) and Suárez (Inter Miami CF) were announced for MLS Newcomer of the Year, and Jordi Alba (Inter Miami CF), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew) and Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders FC) for Defender of the Year.

Lionel Messi Helps Inter Miami Break Major League Soccer Record for Most Points in Single Season

Posted on October 19, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Lionel Messi has helped Inter Miami break a Major League Soccer record.

The 37-year-old Argentine professional footballer scored a stunning 11-minute hat trick to his team break the MLS record for most points in a single season, after defeating the New England Revolution 6-2 on Saturday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Miami concluded the MLS regular season with 74 points in 34 games and a 22-4-8 (W-L-D) record, narrowly besting the Revolution’s 2021 mark of 73 points.

Luis Suárez propelled Inter Miami to rally from two goals down after 34 minutes, scoring twice in under four minutes to keep alive the chase for the points record.

Benjamin Cremaschi then put Miami ahead for the first time in the 58th minute.

But it was captain Messi who fittingly cemented Inter Miami’s name in league history when scoring the fourth, fifth and sixth goals.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner came off the bench in the 55th minute to make an instant impact with his first hat trick for Miami, in the process becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer with 33 goals.

Miami also became the first team in MLS history to have multiple players score at least 20 goals in a season.

With 20 goals apiece, Messi and Suárez are set to finish second in the Golden Boot race to D.C. United’s Christian Benteke. Messi, though, leads the league in total goal contributions with a combined 36 goals and assists in only 19 games.

“Our players are what has made this season successful,” Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said. “Our captain has led us. Our players have led us in times where it was difficult. But now, tonight we celebrate. Tomorrow, we prepare for Friday, the playoffs.”

It was a night of celebration for Miami. The team was awarded the 2024 Supporters’ Shield after the final whistle, having clinched the prize for best regular-season record in MLS for the first time earlier this month.

The trophy was Miami’s first piece of MLS silverware since debuting as an expansion club in 2020.

Inter Miami previously lifted the inaugural MLS vs. Liga MX Leagues Cup trophy soon after Messi’s arrival in the summer of 2023.

After Saturday’s win, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced Miami would take part in the 2025 Club World Cup and host the expanded 32-team tournament’s opening game at Hard Rock Stadium.

More immediately, Inter Miami will now have home-field advantage through the MLS playoffs. The team kicks off the postseason Friday against the winner of the Eastern Conference wild-card match between CF Montreal and Atlanta United.

“Let’s get ready for the playoffs,” Beckham said.

Inter Miami ThisClose to Signing Óscar Ustari

Posted on September 5, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Óscar Ustari is making plans to move to The Sunshine State…

Inter Miami is set to sign the 38-year-old Argentinian goalkeeper as a free agent, per ESPN sources.

Ustari last featured for Chilean first-division side Audax Italiano before being released from the roster midseason. Now, he’ll arrive in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a substitute for Inter Miami starting goalkeeper Drake Callender.

Ustari started his career with Independiente, spending two seasons in the Argentine first division to inspire a move to LaLiga‘s Getafe in 2007. While abroad, the goalkeeper saw time with Almeria and then-Premier League team Sunderland.

He also featured for Liga MX teams Atlas and Pachuca, racking up 169 appearances in Mexico.

Internationally, Ustari formed part of former manager Jose Pekerman‘s Argentina roster for the 2006 FIFA World Cup and joined the Under-23 team at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. He’s managed two senior team appearances and three Olympic game appearances overall for Argentina.

Ustari is set to join a dominant Inter Miami team under head coach Gerardo Martino. The Herons lead the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield standings with 59 points in 27 games.

Inter Miami remains on course to break the league record for most points recorded during the regular season, a mark set by the New England Revolution when they hit 73 points in 2021.

Inter Miami returns to action after the international break on Saturday, September 14, with a home game against the Philadelphia Union at Chase Stadium.

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