Inter Miami could look to capitalise on Lionel Messi’s influence to beat Arsenal and Barcelona in the race for Mexican sensation Gilberto Mora.

According to a report from SPORT, Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami are keen on acquiring the services of Gilberto Mora, and they are hoping to use the Lionel Messi factor to beat the competition to his signature.

Mora has come up the ranks at Club Tijuana and has been a part of their first team since the summer of 2024. While he is only 16, he is already a mainstay for the Mexican club, and his sensational rise hasn’t gone unnoticed.

On the back of his impressive performances, the teenage attacker has already broken into the Mexican national team. He is a part of their U-20 squad for the World Cup in Chile and has been their standout performer with three goals and two assists in four outings.

European giants want Mora

Barcelona are keeping a close eye on the 16-year-old. They have sent scouts to watch him in action at the ongoing World Cup and would love to secure his services in the near future.

They consider Mora to be an ideal fit for their system as well at the project. He is great on the ball and has the ability to open up defence with that killer pass. But, since he will turn 18 next year, the Catalan giants will have to wait until the start of 2027 to secure his services.

It actually plays in Barcelona’s favour, as they now have enough time to sort out their finances. Apart from the Catalan giants, even Arsenal are keen on his signature. The Gunners are constantly looking for young players with massive potential, and the teenager certainly fits the bill.

Inter Miami are pushing to sign Mora

However, MLS giant Inter Miami are looking to beat the European clubs to his signature. Mexican players often make the move to America as they consider it a logical transitional step in their careers. The Miami-based club are looking to offer Mora that opportunity.

They are hoping Lionel Messi’s presence in their team could help them lure the 16-year-old, who has no shortage of suitors. His agent, Rafaela Pimienta, is yet to receive any formal offers, but multiple clubs have enquired about the teenager.

Mexican outfit Tijuana are expected to lose out on him sooner rather than later. However, they are yet to set an asking price, as interested clubs continue to position themselves behind the scenes.