On Tuesday, Inter Miami CF ended 2024 by signaling its intent for the 2025 Major League Soccer season and adding more support alongside Lionel Messi up front.
The Argentinian superstar, who won the 2024 MLS Most Valuable Player award, finished the regular season with 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 appearances, and was joined by fellow MVP finalist Luis Suarez on the front line.
His ex-Barcelona teammate also bagged 20 goals in the regular season, but beyond Suarez, there was little support.
Leonardo Campana, who finished third on the team with eight goals, was sent to New England Revolution in December in a blockbuster trade, and other Inter Miami player scored more than five in MLS play last season.
New coach Javier Mascherano is looking to change this momentum heading into the new year by signing a new addition in hopes of lifting the goalscoring pressure off Messi and Suarez’s shoulders.
Inter Miami signed free agent Fafa Picault through the 2025 season, with a club option for 2026.
He has 57 goals and 30 assists in his eight-year MLS career, starring on the wing for Vancouver Whitecaps, Nashville SC, Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas and Philadelphia Union.
We have signed forward Fafa Picault through the 2025 season
His arrival follows the departure of Campana and midfielder Diego Gomez, who became Inter Miami’s most expensive outgoing transfer in history.
The Herons crucially resigned Suarez to a one-year deal and triggered the team option to keep MLS Defender of the Year candidate Jordi Alba around for another year as well.
“I’m deeply honored to join an ambitious club like Inter Miami CF,” Picault said in a team statement. “I’m eager to meet my teammates and work together toward a historic 2025 campaign.”
The move was extra special for the Haitian international, who calls South Florida home.
“Returning to South Florida—a place I proudly call home—gives me the chance to be closer to my family and childhood friends while bringing excitement to this passionate fútbol community,” he continued. “This opportunity is truly special, and I’m eager to make history with this team.”
Picault, 33, recorded 10 goals and eight assists in all competitions for Vancouver last season, proving he still has plenty left in his legs.
A true winger, his arrival may signal a shift of formation to a 4-3-3 under Mascherano. Former coach Tata Martino typically played Messi and Suarez together in a two-man front line, but now they have a new outlet.
“We’re excited to welcome Fafa to Inter Miami CF,” Raúl Sanllehí, the President of Football Operations, added.
“We believe that his pace, skill, and proven MLS track record can bring valuable quality and experience to our front lines. We’re looking forward to having him with us to enhance our attacking options as we aim for success across multiple competitions in 2025.”
