Messi’s Inter Miami face MLS investigation over alleged handling of Casemiro
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have been embroiled in fresh controversy just moments after completing the signing of Brazil midfielder Casemiro, with Major League Soccer (MLS) launching an investigation into the club over alleged transfer manipulation. The investigation centers on whether the Florida-based side complied with league regulations regarding discovery rights before completing the move for the former Manchester United star.
Inter Miami confirmed on Wednesday that Casemiro had joined the club on a contract until the end of the 2027 MLS season with an option to extend until June 2029. But the celebrations were quickly overshadowed after MLS announced it was investigating allegations surrounding the transfer.
“Major League Soccer is investigating allegations of tampering against Inter Miami CF,” the league said in a statement. “The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete.”
The league also confirmed that while Inter Miami and LA Galaxy have reached an agreement regarding Casemiro’s discovery priority, details of that settlement will not be released until the investigation is complete.
WHY IS INTER MIAMI BEING INVESTIGATED?
The investigation centers around MLS’s unique discovery rights system, a rule designed to prevent clubs from directly competing for the same overseas player.
Each MLS club can place up to five players on their discovery list, effectively giving them the first opportunity to negotiate if the player decides to join the league. In Casemiro’s case, those rights belonged to the LA Galaxy.
Inter Miami announced that they had acquired the rights before the Brazilian was unveiled, while the Galaxy later confirmed that an agreement had been reached between the two clubs.
“LA Galaxy and Inter Miami CF have reached a discovery priority agreement to sign Casemiro and the terms will be disclosed following the conclusion of the tampering investigation currently underway with Major League Soccer,” the Galaxy said in a statement.
A key question for MLS investigators is whether Inter Miami contacted or negotiated with Casemiro before officially acquiring the Galaxy discovery rights, which would constitute manipulation under league regulations.
Casemiro, who left Manchester United after both sides agreed not to renew his contract, has expressed his delight at the move.
“What motivates me the most, and I think it’s true for every player, is to win and keep growing,” the 34-year-old said after completing the transfer.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also welcomed the five-time Champions League winner.
“He is a winner who has done so much in the game and after such an incredible career at Real Madrid and Manchester United I am delighted that he has decided to make Miami his next home,” Beckham said.
INTER MIAMI’S PREVIOUS RUNS WITH MLS
It’s not the first time Inter Miami has come under the league’s scrutiny.
In 2021, MLS fined the club $2 million after an investigation found it violated salary budget regulations when signing French midfielder Blaise Matuidi. The club was also penalized for understating player compensation, resulting in additional sporting sanctions and deductions from the allocated money.
Despite the latest investigation, Casemiro’s arrival will significantly strengthen Inter Miami’s star-studded squad that includes Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Sergio Reguilon. However, whether the transfer ultimately complies with MLS regulations now depends on the findings of the league’s ongoing investigation.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
Jul 23, 2026 11:01 am IST