Inter Miami have selected Bailey Sparks as their first pick in the MLS SuperDraft in what has become Javier Mascherano’s first addition to the team.
Midfielder Sparks was selected in the second round after the Herons gave their first-round pick to LAFC.
Javier Mascherano’s side acquired $50,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM), as well as a natural second-round pick in the MLS SuperDraft 2026 from Los Angeles FC.
Inter Miami have enjoyed some success in the draft in recent times, with the likes of Yannick Bright and Leo Afonso both picks from 2024, they will be hoping that Sparks can continue their good run of selections.
The 21-year-old will have the honour of playing alongside some of the biggest names in the world including Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets.
Bailey Sparks Key Facts
- Nationality: American
- Date of birth: December 30th, 2002
- Place of birth: Plano, Texas
- College: Southern Methodist University
- Position: Midfielder / Attacking midfielder
What Sparks will bring to the Inter Miami side
The attacking midfielder captained the Southern Methodist University Mustangs in his senior year starting all 21 games.
As captain, he led by example scoring nine goals and also getting 10 assists to his name which guided the side to the team to their 14th Elite Eight appearance.
The youngster also led by example from the spot scoring all six that he took as the side’s primary penalty takes, he might struggle to convince Messi to hand them over though.
Sparks earned several honours in his final season which included being named Hermann Trophy Semifinalist and being a First Team All-ACC honoree.
The Texan-born midfielder finished the year ranked as the No. 12 player in the country by Top Drawer Soccer.
At six-foot, he is going to have some physical presence about him which should complement the silky skills and low-gravity work of Messi.
Inter Miami’s previous draft pick Leo Afonso recently explained how he ‘froze’ after playing with Messi for the first time, Sparks may well feel the same.
LAFC selected striker Alec Hughes with Inter Miami’s first-round pick
As previously mentioned Inter Miami gave up their first-round slot to LAFC in exchange for General Allocation Money and a second-round pick in the MLS SuperDraft 2026.
LAFC used the pick on striker Alex Hughes who is tied for fifth place for single-season goals at UMass with 15.
The striker was ranked third nationally with his 15 goals and started all 19 games for his side. He also scored a team-high three game-winning goals.
Inter Miami have just sold striker Leo Campana, the move has left Luis Suarez as the only recognised frontman at the club.