MLS
Inter Miami’s record MLS appearance-maker leaves the club
From Blaise Matuidi to Lionel Messi, we take a look at the Herons’ roster after the departures of Victor Ulloa and Josef Martínez were confirmed.
Inter Miami have parted ways with another member of their first-ever MLS roster, leaving just one player who has remained with the team since their debut back in 2020.
On Wednesday it was announced that Miami stalwart Victor Ulloa would not be offered an extension after his contract expires at the end of the 2023 season. Ulloa, Jake LaCava and Josef Martínez will all leave the club.
Ulloa leaves as the club’s record appearance-maker, having racked up 82 appearances across three seasons. The defensive midfielder leaves without scoring a single MLS goal for Miami.
After the departures were announced, Sporting Director Chris Henderson said: “Now we will look ahead to 2024. We hope to come back even stronger next season, and be ready to compete for more.”
One player remains from Inter Miami’s first squad
The departure of Ulloa means that only Robbie Robinson remains from the Herons’ first MLS roster.
Robinson was the first overall pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft and he has remained at Miami for the duration of his MLS career to date. He arrived as a prodigious talent but his development has been stunted by a year-long muscle injury picked up in May 2022.
The 24-year-old has now returned to first team contention for Miami and scored in the team’s recent 2-2 draw against Charlotte FC. The club has exercised its option to extend Robinson’s contract for 2024, suggesting that he is in Martino’s plans going forward.
Who will be the next Designated Player at Inter Miami?
Since their very foundation Inter Miami have been focused on bringing big-name players to the league and they began life in MLS with a major coup.
Former Real Madrid and Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain arrived after an ill-fated loan spell at Chelsea. The Argentine was one of the club’s first three Designated Players, alongside Matias Pellegrini and Rodolfo Pizarro.
In 2021 Pellegrini was replaced on the DP list by French World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi, who had actually joined the previous year. The club were subsequently punished for breaking roster budget rules on charges that included the mis-categorisation of Matuidi’s contract.
This year the team’s Designated Player list was altered to make space for Lionel Messi, whose arrival necessitated the departure of Pizarro after three years at the club. Martinez’ exit means that Messi and Gregore are the only DPs left at Miami, leaving one place remaining for a high-value signing.
In recent weeks the club have been linked with Real Madrid legend Luka Modric and Luis Suarez, who formed a close relationship alongside Messi while playing together at Barcelona.