Premier League
Gilberto Mora has climbed in recent months to become one of the most promising talents in Mexican soccer. At just 16 years old, the young talent from Tijuana has shown maturity, talent, and international potential that is already drawing the attention of top clubs.
In this scenario, Inter Miami hopes that Lionel Messi will play a key role in beating Barcelona and Arsenal to sign him.
Inter Miami relies on Messi to attract Mora
Inter Miami does not want to wait. They know they are competing with historic clubs for Gilberto Mora. According to sources like Mundo Deportivo, the Americans believe that having Lionel Messi on their project gives them a decisive advantage. The idea is to use Messi's influence on personal and sporting development to convince the young talent.
Barça has also been closely monitoring him, as has Arsenal. However, there are complications with schedules, regulations, and strategy. While Mora is still a minor, he cannot officially move to Europe until he turns 18, except in exceptional cases.
Gilberto Mora's Career in Tijuana and national teams
Since his debut with Club Tijuana, Mora has made it clear that he is not just a prospect: he has been a starter, providing assists and scoring goals, participating in attacks that stand out for their clarity.
At the U-20 World Cup in Chile 2025, Gilberto Mora has shone with Mexico. In his first match against Brazil, he provided a crucial assist and was instrumental in the draw against Spain, where he scored two goals. His performance also includes the penalty that sealed the victory against Morocco. Mexico was eliminated by Argentina in the quarterfinals, with Mora ending with three goals and two assists.
Legal and time obstacles for his move to Europe
Although Barcelona and Arsenal are watching him, Gilberto Mora faces formal barriers until he turns 18 due to FIFA rules that regulate international transfers of minors. This blocks any formal move until October 2026 in his case.
In addition, his contract with Tijuana and his emerging role with the national team complicate the negotiation. His agent, Rafaela Pimienta, has indicated there is interest, but a formal offer has not yet been finalized.

Why does Inter Miami have a real advantage?
-The presence of Lionel Messi on the team could heavily influence decisions of young talents like Mora, who seek sporting influence and learning.
-Operationally, navigating within the MLS may be easier than negotiating with European clubs in terms of cultural adjustments, visas, and stays, although there is always the challenge of convincing the player not to wait for Europe.
-Tijuana could face pressure to sell due to the increasing interest, giving Miami the opportunity to present an attractive offer that European clubs would have to match or surpass.
Gilberto Mora is today one of the clearest promises in Mexican soccer. Inter Miami seems to have a particular strategy to capture him, leveraging Messi's presence and the visibility provided by the MLS. However, the regulations, the wait until he turns 18, and the competition from giants like Barcelona and Arsenal create a complex scenario.
If Inter Miami can present a convincing project, with sporting and personal guarantees, it could get ahead of its rivals. But Mora has time ahead of him, rules to respect, and decisions to make. What is clear is that everyone is watching: his future is already being written, and it could mark an important chapter for both him and the club that incorporates him.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Inter Miami quiere utilizar a Messi para fichar a Gilberto Mora
