Fat Tiger Teams Up with Messi! 34-Year-Old Casemiro Joins Inter Miami on a Free Transfer, Dons the No. 5 Jersey to Start a New Chapter

Beijing time, July 23 – Inter Miami CF of Major League Soccer (MLS) confirmed that Brazilian icon Casemiro, 34, has signed with the club on a free transfer. The five-time Champions League-winning holding midfielder will don the number 5 shirt, representing the heart of the midfield, and join forces with Argentine legend Messi to pursue glory in the MLS and various competitions.

Bidding Farewell to the Red Devils, a Top-Class Defensive Midfielder Arrives in MLS

In the recently concluded 2025-26 season, Casemiro displayed exceptional form at Manchester United. He made 35 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils, not only forming a solid defensive barrier in midfield but also contributing 9 goals and 2 assists, creating 11 goals in a single season. Thanks to his consistent performances, United secured third place in the Premier League and returned to the Champions League after many years. At the end of the season, with his contract expiring, Casemiro left Old Trafford as a free agent. After turning down offers from several European clubs, he chose to move to North America to begin a new chapter in his career.

Wearing the No. 5, Perfectly Filling the Midfield Gap

Inter Miami officially confirmed that Casemiro will sign with the club until the end of the 2027 MLS regular season, with an option to extend through June 2029. He will inherit the No. 5 jersey previously worn by Sergio Busquets. Since Busquets retired, Inter Miami's midfield defense and ball distribution have been tested, and Casemiro's arrival is undoubtedly a powerful boost. His big-game experience, tackling tenacity, and long-range passing ability will greatly enhance the team's midfield solidity, forming a highly competitive central axis with Messi, De Paul, and others.

Former Rivals Become Teammates, Renewing Real Madrid Connections

What excites fans most about this transfer is the reunion of Casemiro and Messi. In the past, they were key players for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, clashing countless times in the famous "El Clásico" on the La Liga stage. Now, the former rivals finally put on the same jersey to fight for the honor of Inter Miami. Additionally, Casemiro once again becomes a colleague of former Real Madrid legend David Beckham. At the welcome ceremony, Beckham said: "Casemiro is a champion accustomed to winning. I am very proud that he chose Miami as his next destination."

Awaiting Visa Approval, Debut Possibly in Early August

According to the club's arrangements, Casemiro is currently applying for a P-1 work visa. Since he played for Brazil until the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup (hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico), he is entitled to a 21-day post-tournament rest period. Therefore, he will not play in Inter Miami's first match back against Chicago Fire. After a brief rest and adjustment period, Casemiro is expected to make his Miami debut on August 1 against Columbus Crew, or during the Leagues Cup tournament in early August.

From the Bernabéu as a five-time Champions League winner, to the cornerstone of Old Trafford's rebuild, and now a key piece in Inter Miami's title pursuit, the 34-year-old Casemiro continues to seek victory and growth. As he said in his joining statement: "What motivates me most is winning and continuous improvement. I will give my all to repay the club's trust." With the arrival of "Fat Tiger," Inter Miami's squad becomes even more star-studded, and the upcoming MLS season is destined to be more exciting thanks to these football legends.

Watch football on Migu Video!