Inter Miami CF took a clear step toward building its future on Thursday by selecting five players in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, adding young talent that could eventually develop alongside Lionel Messi and the club’s established stars.
While none of the selections are expected to make an immediate impact, the draft gave Inter Miami a deeper pipeline of prospects as it balances short-term ambition with long-term planning. The club opened its draft by selecting defender Abdel Talabi from Bryant University with the 30th overall pick.
Talabi arrives with extensive collegiate experience and a reputation as a dependable presence at the back. After joining Bryant in 2021, he became a fixture in the Bulldogs‘ defense, starting nearly every match across his final three seasons. His graduate year was his most complete, as he earned multiple regional and conference honors while contributing three goals and two assists from defense. Inter Miami will view him as a physically mature option who could adapt quickly to the professional environment.
Miami selects a midfielder on a hot streak
Two picks later, Inter Miami added midfielder Kenan Hot from Duke University at No. 32 overall. Hot is coming off a breakout season in 2025, leading the Blue Devils in goal contributions with eight goals and four assists while helping the program reach the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
His resume also includes professional experience, having spent time with Hartford Athletic in the USL Championship and New York Red Bulls II in MLS NEXT Pro. That background could give him an advantage as he transitions to the next level.
The club returned to Bryant University for its third selection, taking forward Mamadi Jiana with the 54th overall pick. Jiana led the Bulldogs‘ attack in 2025, scoring seven goals across 21 appearances and earning conference and regional recognition. His ability to start consistently and produce in a competitive league made him an intriguing developmental option for Inter Miami’s forward group.
A fierce defender arrives in Miami
With the 60th overall pick, Inter Miami selected defender Alex Barger from Indiana University. A reliable fullback, Barger started the vast majority of his matches with the Hoosiers and contributed on both ends of the field with five goals and five assists over three seasons. He was part of multiple Big Ten title-winning teams, giving him experience in high-pressure environments that could translate well at the professional level.
The club closed out its draft by selecting forward Maximilian Kissel from the University of Vermont with the 90th overall pick. Kissel brings a strong scoring pedigree, highlighted by an 11-goal junior season in 2024 and a defining moment in the NCAA Championship match, where he scored the game-winning goal to secure Vermont’s first national title. He followed that up with a solid 2025 campaign, adding five goals and four assists in 15 appearances.
For Inter Miami, the SuperDraft remains a long-term investment rather than an immediate solution. However, the idea that these young players could one day share the field with Messi underscores the opportunity in front of them. As the club continues to compete for trophies now while planning for life beyond its global superstar, this draft class represents another step in shaping the next generation of Inter Miami talent.
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