The New Star of Inter Miami Who Could Shake Up the MLS | OneFootball

In the final preseason friendly for Inter Miami, an 18-year-old kid did something that not many veterans could pull off with such poise: he scored the decisive penalty in a nail-biting shootout against Club América. And when the kid left his mark on the field, it wasn’t just the fans who were watching. Big names like Leo Messi also had their eyes on him, throwing nothing but praise his way. Yep, you read that right. His name is Santiago Morales, and he’s the latest promise for Major League Soccer (MLS).

This teenager, barely 18, is about to show the world that the MLS has more talent than most people realize. For those who don’t follow the MLS closely, what happened in that game wasn’t just another preseason win. No, this was a sign of what’s to come, a promise that the league might be on the brink of making a huge leap to compete with some of the world’s top leagues.

Right off the bat, what stands out about Santi is the calmness and personality he already shows on the field. And if you think he’s just another young prodigy who’ll fade away, you might want to think again. This kid’s got something different, and it’s not just because of his last name.

Contrary to what a lot of people believe, Santi’s success isn’t some random stroke of luck, or just a fluke talent. Nah, he’s got some heavy expectations on his shoulders. His dad, Javier Morales, was one of the standout players for Real Salt Lake and now works as part of the coaching staff for Inter Miami. As a seasoned player and, more recently, a coach, Javier’s been there every step of the way, guiding his son from his earliest days in the game. In fact, Santi started his soccer journey at just 10 years old with FC Dallas, where his dad played before hanging up his boots.

When you’ve got the right DNA and the guidance of a father who knows the game like the back of his hand, it’s no surprise that Santi’s talent shines through so quickly. Sure, the pressure’s massive, especially when you step into a squad like Inter Miami, stacked with stars and already written in history thanks to figures like Messi, Busquets, and Jordi Alba. But so far, Santi has shown he’s up for the challenge. He’s got time to grow, of course, but there’s already something in him that’s hard to ignore.

That game against Club América? That was his big moment, the perfect launching pad for his career. Was it a Champions League final? Nope. But it didn’t need to be. What mattered was that it was the perfect stage for Santi to show he’s more than just another name in the youth ranks. He could very well be a key player in a league that, as many like to point out, is still growing but filled with promise. And Santi? He could very well be one of them.

So what does the future hold for Morales? Will he be one of those players who fade into the background over time, or will he become a future star? If the MLS continues to evolve the way it’s been, the second option seems more likely. And if you’re still doubting that, just look at the Inter Miami calendar and see how the team’s gearing up for the season. With veteran stars already on board, the squad’s going to need some fresh blood. And Santi could be the spark that kicks off a whole new chapter, especially in games where the older guys might be feeling the grind.

And, honestly, there’s no convincing me that the MLS can’t make room for that. Sure, the league’s still looked at with some skepticism by those used to the pace of Europe’s biggest competitions. But the truth is, American soccer is changing, and what we’ve seen from Messi, Busquets, and others could be just the beginning. The MLS was long overdue for a comeback, and with players like Santi, that turnaround could happen faster than people think.

Of course, while Morales has all the tools to succeed, the road ahead won’t be easy. He’s 18, still developing physically and technically. Comparing him to a Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo right now would be a mistake, especially in a league that has its own unique rhythm to adapt to. The MLS has grown a lot, but it’s still not quite the competitive beast that Europe’s leagues are. It takes more than just calmness to slot a penalty away. The real game on the field demands much more: endurance, tactical intelligence, and the ability to react under pressure. Santi’s going to need all of that if he wants to become more than just a promise.

Inter Miami, already packed with older players, may soon find itself needing to kick off a new cycle. After all, Messi, Busquets, and Alba aren’t immortal. With so many veterans in the squad, there’s a real chance Santi could get important minutes. No more excuses. The kid’s going to have to prove he’s got what it takes to be one of the team’s cornerstones.

Santiago Morales’ future looks bright. Maybe he’s not ready to play every minute of the season just yet, but who knows what the future holds? If he keeps the cool head and vision he’s shown in the preseason, he could very well become the new face of the MLS. Will Inter Miami bet on him for good, or will he remain just another young prospect lingering in the shadows of the stars?