Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami close to signing 28-year-old goalkeeper who enjoyed standout season in 2025: Reports

Lionel Messi is set for a major squad boost as his Inter Miami side are reportedly closing in on a move for Canada international Dayne St Clair. The Herons are in the market for reinforcements as they prepare for a second successive season in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and are keen to make quality additions.

A report from The Athletic (via GOAL) has revealed that negotiations to recruit Minnesota United shot-stopper St Clair are at an advanced stage after he failed to sign a new deal with his club. Inter Miami will make the 28-year-old their first-choice between the sticks in a move that speaks of their intent as a club.

Dayne St Clair was the standout goalkeeper in the MLS this season, winning the Goalkeeper of the Year award back in November. He helped his side reach the semifinals of the Western conference, keeping 10 clean sheets and conceding only 30 goals in 30 appearances this year.

St Clair has been a Minnesota United player since being drafted in 2019, and has developed into one of the finest shot-stoppers in the MLS in the last five years. His signing would aid Inter Miami on the pitch, while also providing them a boost profile-wise as he is expected to start for Canada at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lionel Messi's side are without a definitive first-choice goalkeeper after they decided against signing Rocco Rios Novo on a permanent basis following his loan. The MLS champions also have veteran Oscar Ustari on their books, but the 39-year-old is not a long-term option for the side.

Lionel Messi set to keep best teammate as Inter Miami hands out contract extension: Reports

Lionel Messi is set to continue as teammates with Luis Suarez for at least one more season after the striker was handed a new deal, as per reports. The Uruguayan striker was set to reach the end of his contract with the Herons at the end of the 2025 season, but will now continue at the club.

The BBC reports that Inter Miami have signed Suarez for one more season, until the end of the 2026 MLS campaign. The 38-year-old enjoyed a decent season with the Herons, scoring 17 goals and providing 17 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions for the club.

Luis Suarez joined the Herons in 2024 and has won three titles since his arrival in South Florida, scoring 42 goals and providing 29 assists in 87 appearances. He was linked with a return to Nacional after both Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba opted to retire, but will continue with Lionel Messi.