Exciting Ecuadorian striker Allen Obando is making his way to Inter Miami, ready to partner with superstar Lionel Messi in a drive for glory. Following an underwhelming exit in last year’s MLS Cup playoffs, the Herons set their sights firmly on the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy for 2025. Their ambition doesn't stop there; they aim for success across multiple tournaments, including the Concacaf Champions Cup and the prestigious 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. To bolster their chances, they have brought in new talent: Allen Obando.
Fabrizio Romano reported that the 18-year-old forward joined the Atlético Madrid Group for a $4 million fee from Barcelona SC and subsequently signed a loan deal with Inter Miami. This opportunity puts Obando side by side with some of football’s legends, including Messi himself, as well as Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba.
Allen Obando, who hails from Ecuador, is considered one of the most exciting prospects in South American football. He joins fellow young talent Kendra Páez, who is headed to Chelsea next season. Obando is currently a player for Barcelona SC in LigaPro, which is the top level of the Ecuadorian soccer league system. Over 23 appearances with his current club, the young striker has managed to score four goals and provide three assists, even while timing on the pitch has been inconsistent.
The promising forward made his debut for the Ecuadorian senior national team just a year ago, at the age of 17. Under former Ecuador head coach Félix Sánchez Bas, Obando earned his first international cap on March 21, 2024, in a friendly match where Ecuador triumphed over Guatemala with a score of 2–0. He quickly followed this up by participating in a match against Italy just three days later.
However, the current magic touch seems to have eluded the young player. New coach Sebastián Beccacece has not yet summoned Obando for the national team's matches, which means he missed out on the upcoming Copa América 2024 and the subsequent CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Despite this setback, Obando’s inherent skills and creativity remain on display, showcasing a finishing ability that could make him the natural successor to Enner Valencia in the national team squad.
Moving to Miami adds a significant chapter to Obando's developing career. Should he continue to grow in this competitive environment, he could easily become an essential part of Ecuador’s national squad in the future. His ability has already earned him recognition, but now, with a chance to play alongside established competitors like Messi, this opportunity could take his skills to an entirely new level.
The addition of Obando also serves a critical role for Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano, especially in light of Messi's troubling physical condition. The renowned eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient missed a staggering 15 games last season due to various injuries, and he has already been sidelined for three matches in the early part of the 2025 campaign. Moreover, Messi withdrew from Argentina's national team ahead of the March international break due to a minor muscle injury. Thus, Obando's youthful exuberance and playing style will bolster an aging attack that needs rejuvenation.
The question remains: when will the young striker make his debut for Inter Miami? While the anticipation builds, there is little doubt that Obando has a lot to prove once he steps onto the pitch for the first time in the iconic pink shirt.
With such momentum, Inter Miami is gearing up to provide Obando everything he needs to realize his potential. The stage is set for the young striker to establish himself among the ranks of the best, while the Herons fight for glory on multiple fronts this season. It’s an exhilarating time for both the player and the club alike.
