Lionel Messi's Inter Miami release 3 first-team players from roster after MLS 2023 regular season
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have announced that Victor Ulloa, Josef Martinez and Jake LaCava will not be returning to the club next season.
Martinez and LaCava have declined contract options, while Ulloa's deal has expired, the club announced on their website. The announcement came after the end of the MLS 2023 regular season. Miami ended the season 34 points from as many games and 14th in the Easter Conference.
Tata Martino's side failed to register a spot in the playoffs. The Herons' Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson said about parting ways with the three first-team players (via Inter Miami's website):
“We’re proud of building a team that was able to win the first title in Inter Miami history this year and will continue to look to build on that to find further success moving forward."
He added:
“Now we will look ahead to 2024. We hope to come back even stronger next season, and be ready to compete for more.”
Josef Martinez became a prominent figure in the Herons' attack alongside Lionel Messi during the second half of 2023. The Venezuelan made 40 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists.
Mexican defensive midfielder Ulloa, meanwhile, made 82 appearances for the Herons since joining in 2019. He provided five assists during his stint in Miami. The 31-year-old made 16 appearances across competitions this season.
American Jake LaCava, who plays as a right winger, spent the season away on loan at Tampa Bay Rowdies. He made only two appearances for Inter Miami's first team.
How did Lionel Messi fare in his first season at Inter Miami?
It didn't take long for Lionel Messi to captivate US fans with his magical skills. The Argentine scored a stunning free-kick winner on his debuton July 21 against Cruz Azul in a Leagues Cup showdown.
Messi helped Inter Miami win the Leagues Cup 2023 by playing a leading role. He scored 10 goals and provided one assist in seven games. However, his participation in the MLS was sporadic due to fitness issues.
Inter Miami struggled their talisman's absence and were unable to secure a place in the MLS playoffs. Messi ended his first season for the Herons with 11 goals and five assists in 14 games across competitions.