MLS Franchise Valuation Rankings saw Inter Miami rise in the standings as Lionel Messi's impact continues to be felt across Major League Soccer.

Lionel Messi has appeared strong and in prime form in Inter Miami’s first two preseason games of the year. He's expected to play Sunday in Panama.

The preseason match, which kicks off at 5 p.m., is the third in the club’s Americas Tour, which also includes a game against Olimpia in Honduras next Saturday. Miami won its first two preseason games in penalty kick shootouts against Mexican team Club America and Universitario of Peru.

It's pretty clear Messi and Inter Miami weren't satisfied with how 2024 went. But improving on their one major trophy win in 2025 is far from a guarantee.

Sanllehi’s duties have been reassigned to the club’s academy director Guillermo Hoyos, a long-time confidant and former academy coach of Inter Miami captain and former Barcelona legend Lionel Messi. GiveMeSport’s Tom Bogert first reported news of Sanllehi’s reassignment.

Inter Miami's president of football operations, Raúl Sanllehí is no longer in charge of sporting matters, and has been replaced by the Herons academy director, Guillermo Hoyos, a source confirmed to ESPN.

Argentina's coach Javier Mascherano addressed the media and confirmed that Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, is set to welcome at least one new addition to the squad. Javier Mascherano is already looking ahead to Inter Miami‘s third preseason friendly against Sporting San Miguelito from Panama this Sunday.