Since the, quite frankly, disappointing end to Messi’s first campaign in the U.S, Inter Miami have made some big changes to their roster. These significant alterations to the team might turn them into serious contenders for the MLS next year, but how realistic is the dream of national glory for the Floridian side?

Well, the first thing to understand before getting into the squad alterations in Miami is that like many other American sports, all the MLS teams have very narrow gaps in abilities. It’s very different from other countries like England where the top six to ten teams are levels above the rest. So, this small gap means that any team is a few big players from going all the way in the competition.

Now, Inter Miami has announced what could be the final cog in their rebuilding project: Luis Suarez. Suarez, for those who are not familiar, is one of the greatest strikers of the 21st century. He was one of the few who could compete amongst Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi in goal scoring ability. Barcelona retiring home comments aside, Inter Miami is looking like a very well put-together team now. They have significant star players in all three thirds of the field, but there are a few issues that are still yet to be addressed.

Mainly, the defense. With the unfortunate departure of Kamal Miller to the Portland Timbers, Inter Miami’s already shaky defense is losing even more depth. On-loan center back Leandro Gonzalez Pirez has also left for a small fee to River Plate in Argentina. Inter Miami have not yet made any moves to substitute these players and fill the gaps in the defensive third. Their first choice keeper, Callender, also isn’t the greatest option between the sticks.

The only other major signing made by Inter Miami (apart from the MLS draft and academy graduates, players which don’t look like they’ll make much of an impact just yet) was Julian Gressel from Columbus Crew. He definitely has a chance to make an impact on the team, probably coming in for DeAndre Yedlin in the right-back position, though his keen passing ability makes him a viable option in a holding midfield role as well.

All in all, Inter Miami look like they’re improving upon their past season. Getting rid of players on high wages such as Josef Martinez and Victor Ulloa made space for two big signings: Luis Suarez, to provide a much needed complete striker that can finish from just about anywhere around the goal, and Julian Gressel, an MLS veteran who can be versatile in the midfield and at fullback. Inter Miami very well may have the skill to go all the way this season, but they may want to invest in one or two new defensive players to hold the backline before the season starts to round out their squad.