On Thursday, Inter Miami CF made Major League Soccer history with a landmark trade involving its former all-time leading scorer.
Leonardo Campana, who was traded to the New England Revolution for a record-breaking deal, shared a message for Lionel Messi, the player who surpassed his scoring record at the club.
The news of Inter Miami’s “blockbuster trade” sent shockwaves through MLS. Campana was exchanged for an unprecedented $2.5 million in General Allocation Money (GAM), divided between 2025 and 2026, along with international roster slots for 2025 and 2026. The amount of GAM secured by Inter Miami set a new league record.
“Leo has been a crucial player for Inter Miami over the last three years,” stated Raúl Sanllehí, president of football operations. “His impact in attack was instrumental during a historic era that saw us secure our first two titles.”
Following the announcement, Campana expressed his feelings about leaving the 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners in an emotional Instagram post, including a heartfelt message directed at Lionel Messi.
“Today is the day I say goodbye to Inter Miami,” Campana wrote. “These have been three incredible years that brought me immense happiness.
“I was fortunate to share the pitch with players I never dreamed of playing alongside, especially the greatest of all time (Messi).”
Campana, 24, joined Inter Miami ahead of the 2022 season and became one of only three players in club history to reach the 100-appearance milestone. Over that span, he netted 32 goals in all competitions, solidifying his place as a key figure in the team’s early success.
He held the title of the Herons’ all-time leading scorer until Lionel Messi surpassed him with a historic hat trick on MLS Decision Day, October 19.
Although Campana’s contributions were vital to the club’s achievements, the lucrative offer from the New England Revolution was impossible to decline. The record-breaking GAM money provides Inter Miami with much-needed flexibility to manage salaries and address gaps in its uniquely high-cost roster.
