Brazil midfielder Casemiro has signed for Inter Miami on a free transfer, linking up with long-time rival Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer after years of facing him in El Clasico battles between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The MLS club confirmed on Wednesday that the 34-year-old has agreed a deal until the end of the 2027 season, with an option to extend his contract to June 2029.
Casemiro, who left Manchester United at the end of last season when his contract expired, will wear the No 5 shirt in Miami. He will be available to play once his work visa is approved.
The move sees one of the most decorated defensive midfielders of his generation join a star-studded Inter Miami squad that already includes Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.
‘What drives me is winning’
Casemiro said the chance to keep competing for trophies was central to his decision to move to the United States.
He told the club’s website: “ما يحفزني دايما هو الفوز والاستمرار في التطور. المشروع الذي قدمه لي النادي، والجهود التي بذلت لاتمام الصفقة، يعنيان الكثير بالنسبة لي”.
He added: “انا ممتن للغاية لهذه الثقة، واتطلع الى ردها داخل الملعب وخارجه، سواء في المباريات او خلال التدريبات اليومية. ساقدم كل ما لدي من اجل النادي وجماهيره”.
The Brazilian had been widely expected to delay any move to MLS until after the 2026 World Cup, but Inter Miami’s project and the possibility of forming part of a high-profile squad built around Messi appears to have accelerated his plans.
Beckham: ‘A champion who is used to winning’
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham hailed the signing of the former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder, describing him as one of the standout players of his era.
Beckham said: “انا سعيد للغاية بانضمام كاسيميرو وعايلته الى انتر ميامي. لطالما اعجبت به لاعبا وشخصا. انه بطل اعتاد الفوز، وبعد مسيرة استثنايية مع ريال مدريد ومانشستر يونايتد، يسعدني انه اختار ميامي لتكون محطته الجديدة”.
Like Casemiro, Beckham also played for both Real Madrid and Manchester United and enjoyed a trophy-laden career at the two European giants before moving to MLS.
‘We want to be a global reference point’
Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said the deal underlined the club’s ambition to become a major force not only in the United States but on the world stage.
He said Casemiro’s arrival showed Inter Miami’s intent to build a team that can set standards in global football, not just in MLS.
Mas added: “كاسيميرو يجسد القيم التي يقوم عليها النادي؛ القيادة، وعقلية الانتصار، والخبرة الكبيرة. اختياره الانضمام الينا بعد كل ما حققه يوكد ايمانه بمشروعنا”.
Glittering club and international career
Casemiro began his professional career at Sao Paulo in Brazil before joining Real Madrid in 2013, where he developed into one of the game’s most dominant holding midfielders.
Over eight seasons with the Spanish club, he played 336 matches, scored 31 goals and provided 29 assists. He helped Real Madrid win 18 trophies, including five Champions League titles, three La Liga championships and three Club World Cups.
In 2022 he moved to Manchester United, where he made 160 appearances, scoring 26 goals and assisting 14 more. He played a key role in ending the club’s silverware drought, lifting the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup during his time at Old Trafford.
On the international stage, Casemiro has earned 91 caps for Brazil. He won the 2019 Copa America and has featured at the 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups, playing every match for the Selecao at the 2026 tournament, where he scored in the round of 32 and provided an assist in the round of 16.
His arrival in Miami adds further experience and pedigree to an already high-profile squad, as MLS continues to attract elite names from European football.
