Lionel Messi’s former teammate Julian Gressel bids farewell to Inter Miami after being waived
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have been reshaping their roster since the arrival of new head coach Javier Mascherano, marking a clear shift from the team’s previous structure. In another move signaling the transition, Julian Gressel has officially bid farewell after being waived by the MLS side.
Questions had been mounting over Gressel’s status in recent weeks due to his lack of involvement during the 2025 season. Following the club’s decision, the midfielder took to social media to deliver a farewell message to fans. “Thank you Inter Miami. It was a privilege to play for this club and win a trophy,” wrote Gressel on an Instagram post.
Gressel joined Inter Miami in January 2024, reuniting with former coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who had managed him at Atlanta United from 2017 to 2018 — a stretch during which Gressel won the MLS Rookie of the Year award. In his first season in Miami, he was a regular contributor, making 40 appearances, scoring one goal, and providing 10 assists.
However, Gressel’s role changed significantly following Mascherano’s arrival. The midfielder fell out of favor and has yet to log a single minute on the pitch this season. Out of 16 matches played by Inter Miami in 2025, Gressel was left off the matchday squad on eight occasions.
Across his MLS career, Gressel has built a reputation as a proven winner, lifting two MLS Cups (with Atlanta United in 2018 and Columbus Crew in 2023), a U.S. Open Cup, and two Canadian Championships with the Vancouver Whitecaps. He added a Supporters’ Shield during his time with Inter Miami, meaning D.C. United remains the only MLS club where Gressel did not capture a trophy — reinforcing his status as a talisman nearly everywhere he’s played.
Minnesota United FC: Gressel’s next destination
With no place in Inter Miami’s plans, the club sought to part ways with Gressel as a cost-saving move. However, since neither the player nor the club received a formal offer before the MLS transfer window closed on April 23, Miami ultimately decided to waive him.
Now a free agent, all signs point to Gressel joining Minnesota United FC. The midfielder has already shared photos on social media of himself watching a Minnesota match, and while the club has yet to officially announce the signing, ESPN reports that everything is set for the 31-year-old to join the Loons.