Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria Reunion: Magic Duo once again with happy ending 2025

Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria Reunion, As the 2025 summer transfer window draws near, Inter Miami is at the center of swirling transfer speculation. The MLS club, co-owned by football icon David Beckham, is reportedly planning a Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria reunion by targeting the Argentine winger, whose contract with Benfica expires in June 2025.

This potential transfer swoop could see Di Maria join his longtime friend and former teammate Lionel Messi, who has been a revelation since arriving at Inter Miami in 2023. Meanwhile, the Herons have also been linked with Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, another marquee name set to become a free agent. However, financial constraints and MLS roster rules suggest that the Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria reunion might be the more realistic outcome.

For football fans tracking the latest MLS transfers, this article dives into the rumors surrounding Di Maria and De Bruyne, their current situations, and what these moves could mean for Inter Miami. With Messi already lighting up the league, the addition of either star could elevate the club—and MLS—to new heights.

Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria Reunion at Inter Miami? Transfer Rumors Heat Up

Kevin De Bruyne’s MLS Prospects: A High-Stakes Gamble

Kevin De Bruyne, widely regarded as one of the world’s elite midfielders, is nearing the end of his Manchester City tenure. His contract with the Premier League champions expires in the summer of 2025, making him a free agent at 33. After a decade of brilliance—securing six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League—De Bruyne’s next move is a hot topic.

MLS has emerged as a potential destination, with initial rumors linking him to expansion side San Diego FC. However, San Diego’s sporting director, Tyler Heaps, recently ruled out a deal, citing an inability to match De Bruyne’s £400,000-a-week wages.

This development has shifted attention to Inter Miami, a club with a knack for landing big names. Yet, signing De Bruyne poses significant challenges. Inter Miami’s three Designated Player (DP) spots are occupied by Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets—all integral to the team’s success.

Adding De Bruyne as a fourth DP would require offloading one of these stars, a move that seems improbable given their contributions. Alternatively, the club could use Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) to sign him, capping his salary at $1.74 million for 2025—a steep drop from his current earnings.

De Bruyne’s playmaking genius and global appeal would be a game-changer for MLS, but the financial and logistical hurdles make the Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria reunion a more practical target for Inter Miami.

Angel Di Maria: The Key to a Historic Reunion

Angel Di Maria, born February 14, 1988, in Rosario, Argentina, brings a wealth of experience and a storied connection with Messi. His career has taken him from Rosario Central to top European clubs like Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus. Renowned for his pace, flair, and pinpoint left foot, Di Maria has clinched league titles in Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy, plus the 2014 Champions League with Real Madrid.

On the international stage, Di Maria’s 17-year partnership with Messi has been legendary. With over 130 caps for Argentina, he scored in the 2022 World Cup final, helping secure the title alongside his compatriot. This deep bond fuels speculation about a Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria reunion at Inter Miami. Di Maria’s contract with Benfica expires in June 2025, positioning him as a free agent and an attractive option for the Herons.

At 37, Di Maria remains a creative force. His versatility—playing on either wing or as an attacking midfielder—would complement Inter Miami’s attack, led by Messi and Suárez. His 2024-25 season at Benfica has showcased his enduring quality, with [insert stats if available]. Beyond his skills, Di Maria could mentor young talents like Benjamin Cremaschi and Diego Gómez, adding leadership to the squad.

The Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria reunion isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a strategic fit. Di Maria’s likely willingness to accept a lower salary than De Bruyne, combined with his chemistry with Messi, makes him an ideal candidate for Inter Miami’s ambitions.

Di Maria vs. De Bruyne: A Strategic Comparison

Inter Miami must weigh two compelling options:

• Kevin De Bruyne: Younger at 33, De Bruyne offers peak performance—vision, passing, and long-range scoring. His signing would signal MLS’s growing stature, drawing global attention. However, his £400,000-a-week salary demands a major financial overhaul.
• Angel Di Maria: At 37, Di Maria brings experience and a proven rapport with Messi. His lower wage expectations and potential non-DP status simplify the deal, offering immediate impact without roster upheaval.

Marketing-wise, De Bruyne’s star power might edge out Di Maria’s, but the emotional pull of a Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria reunion could captivate fans, especially Miami’s Argentine community. Tactically, Di Maria’s versatility aligns seamlessly with Inter Miami’s needs, while De Bruyne’s midfield mastery might require adjustments to an already star-heavy lineup.

Decoding MLS Roster Rules

MLS’s unique regulations shape Inter Miami’s transfer strategy. The Designated Player rule allows three players per team to earn above the salary cap, with excess costs covered by the club. Inter Miami’s DPs—Messi, Suárez, and Busquets—leave no room for De Bruyne without significant changes. Trading a DP or signing De Bruyne as a TAM player (max $1.74 million) are options, but both hinge on him accepting a pay cut—a rare move for a player of his caliber.

Di Maria, however, could join without DP status, leveraging his age and likely modest salary demands. This flexibility makes the Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria reunion more achievable within MLS’s framework.

Fan Buzz: A Tale of Two Transfers

Social media reflects the excitement around these rumors. “Messi and Di Maria together again? That’s World Cup vibes in Miami!” one fan posted. Another mused, “De Bruyne in MLS would be unreal—imagine him feeding Messi.” Skeptics note Di Maria’s age as a concern, while others question if De Bruyne’s wages align with MLS realities.

The Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria reunion taps into nostalgia and national pride, while De Bruyne’s potential move sparks dreams of elevating the league’s prestige. Either way, Inter Miami fans are in for a thrilling ride.

Conclusion

With the 2025 transfer window on the horizon, Inter Miami faces a pivotal choice. The Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria reunion offers a blend of practicality and sentiment, reuniting two Argentine icons in a move that could light up MLS. Kevin De Bruyne, while a transformative prospect, comes with financial and roster challenges that may prove insurmountable.

Inter Miami’s track record—landing Messi, Suárez, and Busquets—shows their ambition to dominate the league and compete globally. Di Maria’s feasibility makes him the frontrunner, but the allure of De Bruyne keeps the speculation alive. As summer nears, all eyes will be on Florida to see which star joins Messi next.

Angel Di Maria has reached an agreement with Inter Miami to move now in June or next January ✍️ pic.twitter.com/du9CJxSMoD

— Leo Messi 🔟 Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) May 29, 2024

FAQs: Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria Reunion and More

1. When does Angel Di Maria’s Benfica contract expire?
   Di Maria’s contract ends in June 2025, making him a free agent.
2. What is the Designated Player rule in MLS?
   Teams can sign up to three players whose salaries exceed the cap, with the club covering the excess.
3. Has Inter Miami confirmed these transfer rumors?
   As of April 2025, Inter Miami has not officially commented on Di Maria or De Bruyne.
4. Would Kevin De Bruyne take a pay cut for MLS?
   It’s possible but unlikely, though playing with Messi and Miami’s lifestyle might sway him.