Inter Miami could lose record-breaking forward ahead of 2026 season

After a modest regular season campaign, Inter Miami forward Tadeo Allende caught fire in the playoffs and helped the team to a first-ever MLS Cup triumph. Now, Miami face a battle to keep hold of him.

Allende spent the 2025 season on loan with Miami from Spanish side Celta Vigo. He scored nine goals in six games in the postseason, breaking the postseason scoring record, to fire the Herons to glory.

The MLS team are eager to bring Allende back for 2026 but sources in Argentina believe the 26-year-old has offers from elsewhere. TyC Sports reports that Argentinian giants River Plate are pushing to sign Allende from Celta Vigo as they continue a roster rebuild.

Inter Miami have lost Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba to retirement but have re-signed striker Luis Suarez on a one-year extension. Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul will take two of the team’s three designated player slots, meaning that Allende will have to settle for a relatively modest salary.

River Plate may be willing to offer him more money for a return to his native Argentina. After a season of setbacks and the disappointment of missing out on qualification for the 2026 Copa Libertadores, River Plate are preparing for major changes. Miguel Borja is close to a move to Cruz Azul and other attacking options still lack experience, meaning that Allende should get plenty of opportunities alongside Sebastián Driussi and Facundo Colidio.

More developments are expected in the coming days but River Plate seem determined to sign Tadeo Allende, raising concerns for Messi’s Inter Miami as they prepare to defend their title in 2026.