Lionel Messi’s New Teammate: Inter Miami Draft Defender Abdel Talabi Ahead of 2026 MLS Season

Key Details

Inter Miami CF has made a significant move ahead of the 2026 MLS season by drafting defender Abdel Talabi in the MLS SuperDraft. The 24-year-old Talabi joins the squad alongside Lionel Messi, marking a significant addition to the team’s roster.

Talabi’s Background

A product of the Bryant University men’s soccer program, Talabi made 80 appearances between 2020 and 2025, with a brief pause in 2022 due to injury. In the 2025 season, he played 22 matches, scoring three goals and providing two assists. The Herons selected Talabi with the No. 30 pick in the first round of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft.

Inter Miami’s Roster Moves

Since winning the Major League Soccer final, Inter Miami has undergone several roster changes. The team has lost some players, while others have renewed their contracts. The addition of Talabi is part of the club’s efforts to strengthen its roster ahead of the new season.

Other Draft Picks

In addition to Talabi, Inter Miami selected four more players in the following rounds of the Draft: midfielder Kenan Hot, forward Mamadi Jiana, defender Alex Barger, and forward Maximilian Kissel. However, none of these players have a guaranteed contract with the team.

Top Picks in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft

The main storyline of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft was the selection of defender Nikola Markovic by DC United with the first overall pick. FC Dallas held the No. 2 and No. 3 picks, using them to select forwards Ricky Louis and Nicholas Simmonds.

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