Lionel Messi could reportedly lose another Inter Miami teammate before MLS transfer window closes
Lionel Messi has recently seen Inter Miami’s squad strengthened by the arrival of Rodrigo De Paul, a signing that got off to a strong start for the Herons as they push for success after advancing to the next phase of the Leagues Cup. But with less than two weeks remaining before the Major League Soccer transfer window closes, reports suggest another Miami player is drawing interest from multiple clubs.
One of coach Javier Mascherano’s biggest challenges this year has been the lack of squad depth during the first half of the 2025 season. Combined with recurring injury problems, the Argentine boss has often been forced to work with a limited group of players, and now that roster could take another hit.
According to transfer expert Tom Bogert, goalkeeper Drake Callender has attracted serious interest from several MLS teams willing to make a move for him. Callender is still recovering from the injury that sidelined him for most of the season, and he will need to regain full fitness before competing for a starting role again.
With a transfer value of €2.5 million (per Transfermarkt), Bogert reports that clubs have already held advanced talks with all parties involved, though no deal has been finalized. With only 12 days left in the summer window, Messi’s squad could be trimmed further before deadline day.
A challenging 2025 season for Callender
After making 42 appearances in 2024 as Inter Miami’s first-choice goalkeeper, Callender’s 2025 campaign got off to a rough start. An early-season groin injury prompted Inter Miami to re-sign Oscar Ustari, who had left the club in December, and also bring in William Yarbrough.
Callender returned to action in late March after Ustari was injured against Atlanta United, starting on April 6 against Toronto FC. He played again on April 27 against FC Dallas, which turned out to be his last appearance so far this season. From that point, the groin issue developed into a more serious injury, ultimately requiring surgery.
On May 9, Inter Miami announced Callender had undergone successful surgery to repair a sports hernia. However, he has yet to make it back to the matchday squad. Mascherano has noted that while Callender has participated in some training sessions, lingering discomfort has limited him to just three appearances this year.