“I won’t lie” - Ex-Real Madrid defender Sergio Reguilon makes feelings clear about playing with Lionel Messi after Inter Miami transfer

Former Real Madrid defender Sergio Reguilón has admitted that the prospect of playing with Lionel Messi played a part in his decision to join Inter Miami. The Spaniard has signed a deal with the MLS champions until 2027, with an option for an additional year.

Speaking to the Inter Miami media team, Reguilón said that he was excited to be a part of an exciting project. He added that the club winning silverware in their last three seasons attracted him to the MLS side and said (via World Soccer Talk):

“I think it’s a very ambitious project. It’s a club that’s doing things very well. They’re the current champions, and that’s what attracts me - winning teams. Both the people at the club and the owners are doing a great job, and that shows.”

When asked if he was excited to be sharing the dressing room with Messi, he added:

“It’s a really exciting reason to come here: to keep winning and keep competing. I won’t lie - coming here to play with Leo is an extra motivation."

Continuing to talk about playing in the MLS, he added:

“I’m really eager to get started, because I’m coming off a few difficult months, and all I want is to compete on the field, give my best, and be happy on the pitch—which is the best thing in life. For example, in Spain, I have many friends who follow it, and honestly, it’s a league that’s on the rise and doing things very well. In terms of exposure, it keeps growing. It’s becoming more competitive, and that’s also what draws me to it."

Reguilon has been without a club since June 2025, after his contract at Tottenham Hotspur expired. He had offers from several sides, but waited for the right opportunity before making the switch to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.

Sergio Reguilón replaces Jordi Alba at Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami

Jordi Alba announced his retirement from football at the end of the 2025 MLS season. Lionel Messi sent a message to the left-back after sharing he dressing room with him at Barcelona and Inter Miami and said (via Barca Blaugranes):

“Thanks to you, Jordi. I am going to miss you a lot. After many things together, it’s going to feel strange to look to my left and not see you there. It’s crazy how many assists you’ve given me over all these years. Who is going to give me those passes from behind now?”

Along with Alba, Lionel Messi also saw another teammate retire at the end of the season, Sergio Busquets.