Backroom drama clouds Inter Miami's MLS preseason

To add to the intrigue, Sanllehi's replacement, Guillermo Hoyos, is a key Messi ally from early in his career. Hoyos joined Miami with Messi in 2023, but his focus has been on the youth academy rather than the senior roster. He has limited practical experience with MLS's notoriously labyrinthine operational processes.

"He was my footballing dad," Messi said of Hoyos back in 2010. "He’s helped me a lot since I came to Barça. He was always with me, showing me things and has brought me to where I am today, the first division. I’m grateful that he is my footballing godfather."

Sanllehi isn't the first Miami executive to leave the club under questionable circumstances during the Messi era. Sporting director Chris Henderson — a respected and widely liked figure in Major League Soccer — left the club in December to take on a key role at Atlanta United, while director of scouting and recruitment Mark Prizant left for debutant MLS club San Diego FC.

Hoyos, who joined Miami in an academy role alongside Messi in 2023, will be responsible for the club's roster strategy. But Hoyos has precious little experience working with MLS's notoriously labyrinthine senior roster regulations.

It's a confusing state of affairs for a club that's expected to challenge for five separate trophies in 2025. The top-level turmoil at the club isn't helping it prepare for its stacked season — nor is it helping it sign the players it needs to stay competitive.

Inter Miami has been relatively quiet on the roster front during this offseason; it signed Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia from Casa Pia in Portugal but still looks light in its defensive roles. 

By contrast, ex-Miami man Chris Henderson has turned Atlanta United into one of the most intriguing rosters in MLS this winter. He signed Polish international Mateusz Klich and brought back Atlanta legend Miguel Almiron on a Designated Player contract.

It just goes to show that success in MLS doesn't simply come down to results — it requires a strong back office, too. Miami with the likes of Henderson, Prizant and Sanllehi looked like one of the most dangerous outfits in the league. Miami without them, though, looks utterly chaotic.

Miami will continue its preseason on Wednesday against Universitario in Lima, Peru. It will kick off its 2025 MLS season on Feb. 22 at home against New York City FC.