Inter Miami reportedly looking to pair Lionel Messi with a former Barcelona teammate

nter Miami continue their aggressive roster moves, now reportedly eyeing a reunion between Lionel Messi and a former Barcelona teammate.

Inter Miami aren’t slowing down in the transfer market to build a competitive roster around Lionel Messi. Fresh off completing a €15 million deal for Rodrigo De Paul from Atletico Madrid, the MLS club are reportedly setting their sights on shoring up their back line — and could do so by reuniting Messi with an ex-Barcelona colleague.

According to journalist Ekrem Konur, Inter Miami have identified Real Betis defender Marc Bartra as a potential target. The 34-year-old center back, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, played 103 games for the Catalan club between 2009 and 2016 — including 74 appearances alongside Messi during one of Barça’s most successful eras.

The pursuit comes amid Inter Miami’s defensive needs, heightened by the departure of David Martinez, who returned to River Plate from loan and joined Olimpia from Paraguay, and ongoing injury concerns among the club’s current defenders.

Bartra remains under contract with Real Betis through 2027 and is considered a locker-room leader, which could complicate negotiations. Any move would likely require either a significant financial offer from Miami — who recently spent heavily on De Paul — or a personal request from Bartra to make the switch to MLS.

Additional target in Europe

Beyond Bartra, Inter Miami are also keeping an eye on attacking options. One name reportedly on their radar is Facundo Pellistri, a 23-year-old Uruguayan winger who recently completed an impressive season with Greek side Panathinaikos. Pellistri joined the club from Manchester United last year in a €6 million transfer and is a regular member of Uruguay’s national team.

According to journalist Konur, Miami have expressed interest in adding Pellistri, who remains under contract through 2028. Last season, he appeared in 36 matches, recording four goals and five assists.

While Panathinaikos are open to negotiations, they are expected to demand a significant transfer fee — something that could complicate Miami’s pursuit, especially after their recent investment in De Paul. The MLS transfer window remains open until August 21, giving Inter Miami time to finalize additional moves as they look to bolster their roster.

From: bolavip.com