Hungarian wonderkid signs pro deal at Messi’s Inter Miami!

Hungarian-American forward Daniel Pintér has reached a major milestone in his young career after signing his first professional contract with Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer club confirmed on Thursday.

The 18-year-old attacker joins the first team as a homegrown player, underlining the Florida-based club’s long-term commitment to one of its most promising academy graduates.

Who is Daniel Pintér?

Born in the United States and holding dual Hungarian–American citizenship, Pintér is considered one of the most exciting young attacking prospects developed by Inter Miami’s academy system. Comfortable across the front line, he stands out for his technical ability, football intelligence and composure well beyond his age.

Pintér has already represented both Hungarian and U.S. youth national teams, placing him firmly on the radar of international football observers. His development has followed a structured pathway through Inter Miami’s youth ranks, second team and training involvement with the MLS squad — a route designed to prepare young players for the physical and tactical demands of top-level football.

Last season, Pintér made his MLS debut away against Charlotte, stepping onto the pitch alongside global icon Lionel Messi. The appearance marked a symbolic and professional breakthrough for the teenager, confirming his transition from academy prospect to first-team player.

Inter Miami’s long-term vision: stars and homegrown talent

While Inter Miami has attracted worldwide attention through high-profile signings, the club has simultaneously invested heavily in its academy and homegrown player model — a core element of MLS regulations.

The league’s rules strictly limit how many first-team matches academy players can play without a professional contract, making Pintér’s signing both a sporting and regulatory necessity. More importantly, it reflects Inter Miami’s belief that young talents developed internally can thrive alongside established international stars.

By promoting academy graduates into the senior squad, the club aims to build a sustainable sporting identity rather than relying solely on external transfers.

Contract details and club endorsement

According to the official announcement, Pintér’s contract runs through the end of the 2027–28 season, with club options extending it into the 2028–29, 2029–30 and 2030–31 campaigns.

Sporting director Guillermo Hoyos praised the player’s mentality and work ethic, describing Pintér as a highly competitive footballer driven by passion and ambition. Hoyos emphasised that Pintér’s journey from the academy to the first team serves as a model for younger players within the club.

Joining elite company

With this agreement, Pintér joins a growing list of Inter Miami academy products who have successfully made the step up to the MLS squad, including Tyler Hall, Benjamin Cremaschi and Noah Allen. The move places him in an elite internal group and offers consistent exposure to top-level competition.

A notable development for Hungarian football

From a Hungarian perspective, Pintér’s professional contract represents a rare and encouraging success story. Few players with Hungarian ties secure long-term deals at such a young age with one of the most globally visible clubs in North American football.

While the next phase of his career will depend on performance, minutes and continued development, the foundation is now firmly in place — and at one of the most high-profile stages in world football.

A few days ago, another Hungarian talent signed with the Premier League team Bournemouth: midfielder Alex Tóth.