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Inter Miami Target Rival Club's Star Player As Messi Demands More

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Nov 2, 2025 1:29 PM ET

Inter Miami CF will dispute their pass to the conference semifinals this next Saturday, November 8, after losing in the second game of the best-of-three series against Nashville SC yesterday.

Lionel Messi knows that the Herons must improve in defense and be consistent to get closer to the so longed-for MLS cup, and in the middle of this, a rumor has emerged that places Miami's club as interested in a star from their rivals.

According to Transfermarkt, Inter Miami has been interested in signing the experienced goalkeeper Pedro Gallese from Orlando City SC.

Gallese, 35, ends his contract with Orlando in December of this year, and the team owned by David Beckham could try to convince him to arrive for free at Miami Freedom Park.

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"Reports indicate that Orlando City still hasn't reached an agreement with GK Pedro Gallese, and Inter Miami is among the clubs interested in him," wrote the official account of the mentioned portal on Instagram.

Inter Miami Set to Raid Rival Club For Star Player As Messi Demands More

In a recent interview with Fabrizio Romano, Messi, 38, acknowledged that Inter Miami must improve in defense, which has been an area of opportunity since last year.

"To win the MLS Cup, we must be consistent and improve our defense," said Messi.

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"Yes, obviously yes. We can (win the MLS Cup). It’s not going to be easy. We have the experience from last year when we finished first in the regular season and then got knocked out in the first round," he added.

"I think the playoffs are a completely different competition. In tighter games, teams are more cautious and focused. But we’re prepared to fight and try to win it. We all want the MLS Cup."

The interest in Gallese could also be explained by the evident need of Javier Mascherano's team to concede fewer goals.

Messi himself pointed this out as one of their collective weaknesses, and what the Argentine thinks never goes unnoticed in Inter Miami's sporting direction.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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