Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are reportedly interested in signing two Atletico Madrid players next summer.
The 2025 MLS Cup winners also raided Atletico last summer, signing Rodrigo de Paul on loan with an option to buy in the January transfer window.
They have exercised the €15 million purchase clause in the Argentinian’s contract and will register him as a regular player in the coming weeks.
Inter Miami wants to sign Atletico Madrid Duo
After winning the Supporters’ Shield last year, Inter Miami went all the way to the MLS Cup in 2025. Lionel Messi, alongside Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo De Paul and Jordi Alba, all played a part in that trophy run.
Busquets and Alba have decided to retire after the cup win, leaving the door open for high-profile acquisitions. With Miami unable to make a move for Robert Lewandowski, two Atletico Madrid players have appeared on their radar.
According to journalist Ekrem Konur (via Mundo Deportivo), Lionel Messi’s side have set their sights on Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke and star frontman Antoine Griezmann.
Koke seen as a potential successor to Sergio Busquets
With Sergio Busquets leaving the team, Inter Miami is looking for a player who can control the tempo in midfield. Lionel Messi and co-owner David Beckham believe Koke would be a worthy signing.
Koke, 33, is a natural central midfielder but is comfortable playing in a deeper position. He has admirable endurance and is widely revered for his tenacity. The Spaniard is also a natural leader and has led Atletico to some iconic wins.
Koke has played for Atletico Madrid since 2011 and sees his contract expire in June 2026. Contract talks are ongoing, but a breakthrough is yet to come.
#InterMiamiFC
Lionel Messi wants Koke at Inter Miami!↔️ To fill Busquets’ gap after his retirement in 2025.
Targets: Koke & Griezmann
Koke: final six-month contract, possible departure during the summer. pic.twitter.com/fX5wp9HJMs— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) December 16, 2025
Antoine Griezmann Also on Inter Miami’s Radar
Besides Koke, Antoine Griezmann has also emerged as a transfer target for the Florida-based team. Inter Miami believes his playing style suits the club well.
Furthermore, Lionel Messi shares a good relationship with the Frenchman thanks to their time together at Barcelona. Given the major influence Argentina has on Miami’s transfers, this could be decisive in the transfer story.
Griezmann has long spoken about his career in MLS, and reports suggest his move is only a matter of time. The Frenchman has been linked to Los Angeles FC in the past, but a move to Inter Miami is also a possibility.
Griezmann, who first joined Atletico Madrid in July 2014, will see his contract expire in June 2027. According to Transfermarkt, the 34-year-old is currently worth around €11 million.
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