IMiami knows it will be difficult to replace Sergio Busquets following his retirement, but it seems they have already found a way to play a role in keeping the team balanced in the future.
After a historic 2025 season in which Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to the club’s first ever MLS Cup victory, management acted quickly to maintain the level of competition. Signed Argentine midfielder David Ayala from the Portland Timbers.
Antonella Roccuzzo showed that Messi does not stray from the ball even during the break
Who is Inter Miami’s new player David Ayala?
Ayala, just 23 years old, was brought in to strengthen the midfield and establish himself as the natural successor to Sergio Busquets, who retired after winning the championship.
“Inter Miami CF announced today that it has signed Argentine midfielder David Ayala from the Portland Timbers. Ayala joins the club as part of MLS’ U22 Initiative and is under contract until the end of the 2026 season.”
Ayala’s characteristics explain why Inter Miami consider him a strategic asset. He stands out for his ability to distribute the ball, vision of the field, good ball control, traits that Busquets was adept at and had a Ph.D.
The statistics support that comparison, with the Spaniard averaging 59.2 completed passes per game, while Ayala completed 47.2 passes per game with the Portland Timbers, with an astonishing 88% accuracy. These numbers reflect a proper reading of the game.
Inter Miami signs new Argentine player
Inter Miami has a number of Argentinian players who will facilitate their adaptation. Lionel Messi, Rodrigo de Paul, Gonzalo Lujan, Tomas Avilés, Oscar Ustari, Mateo Silvetti and Facundo Mura are part of the Argentine team. In addition to Javier Mascherano and several members of his coaching staff.
The Argentine’s identity has become one of the hallmarks of the club’s sporting project, with Messi being the main focus both on and off the pitch.
Inter Miami reinforcements
Facundo Moura was the first reinforcement confirmed to cover the right flank after Marcelo Weigand left for Boca Juniors. Sergio Reguilon also arrived to replace Jordi Alba.
Additionally, the club has secured the signing of Canadian goalkeeper Dane St. Clair, who was named the 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, is expected to be a key player, and is dreaming of playing in the 2026 World Cup. On the defensive side, the team also includes Brazilian Michael, who has league experience and enjoyed success with the Houston Dynamo. The Herons are making new additions to maintain their dominance in MLS in 2026.
