Following Inter Miami’s MLS Cup triumph, co-owner Jorge Mas told reporters the club’s next objective is the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Ambitious yet achievable, the club enters 2026 confident after reaching the semifinals in 2025. However, a key element of their pursuit will be filling a vacant Designated Player (DP) spot—one that counts $743,750 against the MLS salary cap under Miami’s current model of three DPs and three U22 Initiative players.
Previously, Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba occupied the DP roles. With Alba and Busquets retired, one slot has already been filled by Rodrigo De Paul’s permanent move from Atlético Madrid.
Still, Miami ownership—including Jorge and Jose Mas, alongside David Beckham—is expected to make a marquee signing for the remaining DP position. Here are three possible candidates:
1. Neymar — Winger at Inter Miami
Neymar could pair with Messi (and potentially Luis Suárez, if contract talks succeed) to create one of the MLS’ most formidable wide attacks. Though no longer Brazil’s leading star, the 33-year-old remains an enticing option. He would complement Miami’s lineup while potentially filling the gap left by Tadeo Allende, whose loan from Celta Vigo expired after a record-breaking MLS Cup playoffs performance.
Drawbacks exist: Neymar made 29 appearances in Brazil during 2025, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists, but injuries kept him out for 17 matches. Turning 34 in February, he may prefer a limited workload while targeting a final World Cup appearance. While his profile is undeniable, Miami must weigh whether he fits their early-season Concacaf ambitions.
2. Robert Lewandowski — Striker
Miami currently lacks a proven striker, with Luis Suárez’s production dipping from 20 goals in 2024 to just 10 in 2025. Enter Robert Lewandowski, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate and one of the generation’s most prolific forwards.
At 37, Lewandowski’s contract at Barcelona expires this summer, and while the club has an extension option, they are planning for a post-Lewandowski era. The Pole has already scored eight goals in 12 La Liga appearances this season, proving he can still perform at a high level. Miami has the financial capability to pursue him, though his move to MLS may gravitate toward teams with Bundesliga connections like LA Galaxy or Vancouver Whitecaps.
3. Paulo Dybala — Forward
With six Argentine starters at MLS Cup and Messi leading the project, Argentina remains the logical talent pool for Miami. Paulo Dybala fits that profile.
Though Dybala’s form has dipped in Serie A—scoring just twice for AS Roma this season—he brings versatility to Miami’s attack. His contract expires at the end of the 2025–26 European season, making him a high-profile free-agent target. A chance to link up with Messi and Rodrigo De Paul could entice him, especially as he seeks a prominent role ahead of the World Cup, turning down lucrative offers elsewhere in the past.
Miami’s search for the next DP promises to shape the team’s ambitions in MLS and beyond, as they look to defend their domestic crown and pursue continental glory.
