MLS launches probe into Messi's Inter Miami over Casemiro signing

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami has come under investigation by Major League Soccer (MLS) following the signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, amid allegations the club violated the league's player acquisition rules.

The investigation centres on claims that Inter Miami opened talks with Casemiro before securing his "Discovery Priority" rights, a requirement under MLS regulations. In a statement, the league confirmed it had launched a formal inquiry and was gathering all relevant information, adding that no further comment would be made until the investigation was complete.

According to ESPN, the complaint was filed by LA Galaxy, which held Casemiro's Discovery Priority rights. Inter Miami, however, maintains that it reached an agreement with the Galaxy before completing the transfer. MLS has acknowledged that an agreement exists but said details will remain confidential until the probe concludes.

Under MLS rules, each club can list up to five players on its Discovery List, giving it exclusive negotiating rights with those players. If another club wishes to sign a player on that list, it must first acquire those rights—typically by paying $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) or reaching another mutually agreed arrangement.

Only after reaching an agreement with LA Galaxy did Inter Miami finalise Casemiro's move. The Brazilian has signed a contract running through the end of the 2027 MLS season, with an option to extend until June 2029.

Speaking after the transfer, Casemiro said he had held initial discussions with LA Galaxy but made it clear that Inter Miami was always his preferred destination, citing the city as a favourite place for him and his family.