Inter Miami CF announced this Wednesday the signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro as a free agent, marking the most significant market move for the Miami club since the arrival of Lionel Messi in 2023.
According to the official statement from the club, the former player of Real Madrid and Manchester United has signed a contract until the end of the 2027 MLS Sprint Season, with an option to extend until June 2029. He will wear the number 5 jersey, and his joining is pending the receipt of his P-1 work visa.
The operation was not without its complications. The Major League Soccer (MLS) has opened an investigation for possible tampering against Inter Miami concerning the signing, as reported by AP News. The league indicated that it is gathering information and will not make any further statements until the review is complete.
The main regulatory obstacle had been that LA Galaxy held discovery rights over Casemiro in MLS, which forced Inter Miami to reach a financial agreement with the California club before finalizing the signing. The terms of that agreement will not be disclosed until the investigation is complete.
Casemiro, 34 years old, arrives in Miami after three seasons at Manchester United, where he played 160 matches, scored 26 goals, and provided 14 assists, winning an FA Cup and an English League Cup. Previously, in his eight years with Real Madrid, he made 336 appearances and won 18 titles, including five UEFA Champions League titles.
In the international arena, the Brazilian has a total of 91 international appearances with the Brazil national team and the 2019 Copa América. In the recent 2026 World Cup, he started in all five matches for the Seleção, scored the equalizing goal against Japan in the Round of 16, and provided an assist in the next round.
The managing owner Jorge Mas spared no praise: "The arrival of Casemiro reflects the vision and ambition that define Inter Miami. We never settle. We always seek to grow, improve, and elevate our standards each season."
The co-owner David Beckham also celebrated the addition: "He is a winner who has achieved so much in football, and after an incredible career at Real Madrid and Manchester United, I am very glad that he has decided to make Miami his next home."
Casemiro himself explained his motivations: "What motivates me the most, and I believe this is true for every player, is to win and keep growing. The project that the club presented to me, along with the effort everyone made to bring me here, means a lot to me."
With this addition, the team led by the coach adds another Champions League champion to a squad that already includes Messi, Busquets, and Jordi Alba. The club, 2025 MLS Cup champion after defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 last December, thus consolidates its commitment to building a roster capable of competing at the highest levels of world football.
Lionel Messi, whose contract renewal until 2028 was confirmed last year, will now have as a midfield partner the man who served as the defensive shield for Real Madrid for almost a decade.
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