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3 Inter Miami players who are the most optimistic about making a World Cup statement

Despite being an MLS side, some notable Inter Miami players could have a big impact at the World Cup this summer.
Colorado Rapids v Inter Miami CF
Colorado Rapids v Inter Miami CF | Jamie Schwaberow/GettyImages

As Inter Miami is one of the biggest MLS teams, they have been able to attract many star names to the club. This has been made easier due to Sir David Beckham being one of the club's owners and the lifestyle opportunities that living in Miami can bring.

When Lionel Messi joined the club, it made joining Miami a go-to destination for many top European players, especially those with whom the Argentine had previously played alongside. For the likes of Luis Suarez and Sergio Reguilón, they are no longer in the equation for their national teams. However, here are three Miami players who could make a big impact at the World Cup this summer.

3 Inter Miami players who are the most optimistic about making a World Cup statement

1. Lionel Messi

Many fans thought that Messi would retire from international soccer after lifting the 2022 World Cup. Winning that tournament cemented many supporters' belief that he is the greatest of all time. Especially as Cristiano Ronaldo has not won the World Cup.

Messi has kept on competing for Argentina and helped them win the Copa America in 2024, which was held in the United States. The Argentine could achieve even more soccer immortality than he already has if he can help deliver another World Cup for his country.

Diego Maradona only won one World Cup with Argentina. Some fans of the Albiceleste still rate Maradona higher than Messi, but this would be impossible if the Miami player takes home another World Cup.

2. Rodrigo De Paul

Rodrigo De Paul has kept his place in the Argentina roster despite leaving Atletico Madrid for Inter Miami. De Paul was a key part of Lionel Scaloni's side that won the World Cup back in 2022.

De Paul is known for having a great relationship with Messi and is often referred to as his 'bodyguard.' Scaloni's side has a favorable World Cup group, where they face Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. De Paul could again be a key part of Argentina's lineup for this tournament.

3. Germán Berterame

Despite being born in Argentina and representing their Under-17s, Germán Berterame represents Mexico through the naturalization process.

He had a mixed start to his club career, playing for the likes of San Lorenzo, Patronato, Atletico San Luis, and a very brief spell with Atletico Madrid. He then joined Monterrey in 2022 and became prolific over a four-year stint before joining Miami this year.

Berterame has scored twice and made one assist in eight MLS games for Miami this season. He already has nine caps for Mexico with two goals, which came against Ecuador and Bolivia. El Tri have notable strikers such as Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan, Raul Jimenez of Fulham, and Julian Quinones of Al Qadsiah.

Berterame has scored in each of Miami's last two games, and if he can continue to keep on finding the back of the net, then he could be a key part of Javier Aguirre's side for the World Cup. There will be pressure on Mexico as they are a host nation alongside the United States and Canada. Their group consists of South Africa, Czechia, and South Korea.

Other Inter Miami players who deserve a mention

Dayne St. Clair is Miami's starting goalkeeper, but he is not the first choice for Canada. He is competing with Maxime Crepeau of Orlando City for a starting spot. St. Clair has played in seven of Miami's MLS games this season, but conceded 14 goals.

Ian Fray helped Jamaica qualify for the World Cup as they defeated DR Congo in their qualification playoff final. The 23-year-old has four caps for Jamaica, but has only been used in five of Miami's MLS games so far this season.

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