Inter Miami CF has officially cemented its status as the undisputed "Super Club" of the Americas, finalizing two massive roster moves just days before the 2026 MLS roster compliance deadline. In a definitive statement of intent for the World Cup year, the Herons have triggered the permanent transfer option for World Cup champion Rodrigo De Paul and completed a blockbuster $15 million acquisition of Monterrey striker Germán Berterame. The double swoop, representing an investment of over $32 million in transfer fees alone, provides head coach Javier Mascherano with a galaxy of stars aimed at dominating both Major League Soccer and the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Rodrigo De Paul: The Engine Permanently in Miami

After a transformative six-month loan spell that helped propel Inter Miami to the 2025 MLS Cup title, Rodrigo De Paul is officially a Heron for the long haul. The club announced late Wednesday that it has exercised the purchase option in his loan agreement with Atlético Madrid, reportedly worth $17.6 million (€16m). The deal keeps the Argentine midfielder in South Florida through the 2029 season.

De Paul, 31, was instrumental in Miami's midfield dominance late last season, stepping up as the primary playmaker and defensive anchor following the retirement of Sergio Busquets. His permanent signing was a non-negotiable priority for the front office. "Rodrigo brings a World Cup-winning mentality that is impossible to replicate," said Managing Owner Jorge Mas. "Securing his future here was the first pillar of our 2026 strategy."

Germán Berterame: The $15 Million Solution

While De Paul's return was expected, the acquisition of Germán Berterame is the aggressive market move that has put the rest of MLS on notice. Inter Miami triggered the $15 million release clause for the 27-year-old CF Monterrey striker, ending a transfer saga that had lingered for over a year. Berterame arrives as one of the most prolific scorers in Liga MX, having netted 11 goals in the recent Apertura campaign.

The move comes after reports surfaced earlier this week of a failed bid for LAFC's Denis Bouanga. However, sources close to the club suggest Berterame was always the tactical preference for Mascherano, who values the striker's pressing ability and versatility. Berterame is expected to share the attacking workload with veteran Luis Suárez, whose minutes will be carefully managed in what is likely his final season.

The Mascherano Era: A New Look for 2026

The finalizing of these deals marks a significant shift in the team's identity under Javier Mascherano. The "Barcelona Reunion" era has evolved into a more dynamic, athletic squad built to withstand the rigors of a global calendar. The departures of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets into retirement have been addressed with younger, high-energy replacements.

Key Roster Additions

  • Sergio Reguilón: The former Tottenham and Real Madrid left-back replaces Alba, bringing elite European pedigree to the backline.
  • Dayne St. Clair: The 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year arrived on a free transfer, significantly upgrading the goalkeeping department.
  • Tadeo Allende: Like De Paul, his loan was made permanent, adding crucial depth on the wings.

Targeting Global Dominance in a World Cup Year

The timing of these moves is meticulous. With the 2026 World Cup taking place in North America this summer, all eyes are on the U.S. soccer landscape. Inter Miami, led by captain Lionel Messi—who signed a contract extension through 2028 last October—is positioning itself as the global face of the league. The club will debut its new state-of-the-art stadium, Miami Freedom Park, in April against Austin FC, and the front office is determined to field a team worthy of the venue.

With the roster now compliant and loaded with international talent, the expectation is nothing less than a treble: defending the MLS Cup, reclaiming the Supporters' Shield, and winning the Concacaf Champions Cup to book a return to the FIFA Club World Cup. As Messi and De Paul prepare to potentially defend Argentina's world title later this year, they will first aim to conquer the Americas with their club.