Real Madrid Legend Casemiro Speaks After Linking Up With Lionel Messi at Inter Miami

Real Madrid Legend Casemiro Speaks After Linking Up With Lionel Messi at Inter Miami

  • Inter Miami confirmed the signing of Casemiro on a free transfer after the Brazilian ran down his Manchester United contract
  • The Real Madrid legend represented Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup before making the move to Major League Soccer
  • Casemiro will wear the number 5 jersey at Inter Miami, a shirt previously assigned to Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets

Inter Miami have completed the signing of defensive midfielder Casemiro on a three-year contract, bringing the Brazilian international to Major League Soccer as a free agent following his departure from Manchester United.

The 33-year-old arrived in Florida after honouring his commitment to the Brazilian national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, only then turning his attention to the next chapter of his club career.

Casemiro, Inter Miami, Nu Stadium, Florida, USA.
Casemiro joins Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. Photo from @InterMiamiCF.
Source: Twitter

The move sets up one of football's more intriguing reunions between Casemiro and Lionel Messi after years as fierce rivals across El Clásico fixtures.

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Casemiro speaks after joining Inter Miami

Speaking to Inter Miami TV after the deal was confirmed, Casemiro said the club's ambition played a central role in his decision.

“What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow. The project the Club presented to me, along with the effort everyone made to bring me here, means a lot to me,” he said.
“I'm incredibly grateful, and I can't wait to get started so I can repay that trust — not only during the 90 minutes on matchday, but every day in training as well. All I can say is thank you, and I'll give everything I have to return the affection and confidence the Club has shown me.”

Casemiro will pull on the number 5 jersey at Inter Miami, a shirt with notable history at the club. It was most recently worn by Sergio Busquets, the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder who retired at the end of the 2025 MLS regular season after two years in South Florida.

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The Brazilian's arrival adds considerable experience and defensive quality to an Inter Miami squad that has drawn global attention largely through Messi's presence.

Casemiro rejects reunion with Ronaldo

Legit.ng previously reported that Casemiro rejected the chance to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League in favour of moving to the United States.

The two spent time together at Real Madrid and linked up briefly at Manchester United during Ronaldo’s second spell at the Premier League club.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Elijah Odetokun avatar

Elijah Odetokun (Sports Editor) Elijah Odetokun is a Nigerian sports editor at Legit.ng. He has six years of working experience and holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and a Diploma in Freelance and Sports Writing from the London School of Journalism. He has covered major Super Eagles games, including FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Email: elijah.odetokun@corp.legit.ng.