Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has reportedly advised the club to sign Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso in the summer transfer window.
The Herons are currently in the market for a midfielder, and Messi believes his compatriot would be an excellent addition.
Inter Miami completed their trophy cabinet earlier this year, winning the highly sought-after MLS Cup. Miami’s victory further solidifies their position as the most formidable force in the United States.
After the MLS Cup triumph, two of Miami’s top talents, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, hung up their boots.
Can we take a second to appreciate Busquets?
He’s won every single title he could. He redefined the CDM position with his intelligence, composure, and passing.
One of the greatest midfielders of all time says goodbye to the beautiful game.
It was an honor to watch him play. pic.twitter.com/jlQlPSR44i
— EiF (@EiFSoccer) December 6, 2025
According to reports, Inter Miami are eyeing Robert Lewandowski to fill the vacant Designated Player (DP) slot. However, Chicago Fire could edge Miami out in the transfer race.
Messi is also not too keen on a high-profile transfer. He wants the club to prioritise balance and believes a midfielder is the need of the hour.
Lionel Messi Wants Inter Miami to Sign Giovani Lo Celso
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes.net, Lionel Messi has nominated Giovani Lo Celso for the midfield role.
Lo Celso is technically astute and has played football at the highest level. With Sergio Busquets gone, he could emerge as the leader in midfield.
Additionally, he would have compatriots Messi and Rodrigo de Paul to help him settle in, aiding swift integration.
Miami have always taken Messi’s advice into consideration, and this is no exception. They have had a lot of success with signing veterans with competitive potential, and are seriously considering making a move for the player.
INTER MIAMI está INTERESADO en fichar a Giovani Lo Celso.
Real Betis pide €5M para venderlo.
[@diariosevilla – @elcorreoweb] pic.twitter.com/pTHI5hmaOn— Ataque Futbolero (@AtaqueFutbolero) December 22, 2025
Real Betis Likely to Approve Transfer
Real Betis are reportedly aware of Inter Miami’s interest in Lo Celso, and they are not opposed to selling him. Although they value the midfielder highly, they are also considering the sporting and economic angles.
While Lo Celso has shone for Betis, injuries have kept him from maintaining consistency. The Andalusian club believe a switch to the MLS could be beneficial for both the club and the player.
According to the aforementioned report, Real Betis are prepared to sell him for around €5 million and would look to use the funds to improve their squad. Inter Miami are prepared to meet their asking price.
MLS teams be scared!!Lo Celso , Messi, De Paul…Inter Miami are preparing to have a super team in 2026 pic.twitter.com/iMyQnOOHhN
— ? (@psg_chief) December 22, 2025
As for the player, he is excited by the prospect of linking up with Messi at Inter Miami. The project is ambitious, the pay is likely to be better, and the fixture calendar is not as demanding.
Lo Celso believes he could become a key figure at Miami, emerging as a worthy successor to Busquets.
The 29-year-old has played 99 games for Betis in all competitions, scoring 27 goals and providing 11 assists. His contract with the club runs until June 2028.
