Dayne St. Clair, the goalkeeper for the Canada national team, expressed that his decision to join Inter Miami was driven by the club’s ambitious vision and the opportunity to train with a roster featuring stars like Lionel Messi, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching.
After spending seven seasons with Minnesota United, where he was drafted in 2019, St. Clair opted for a new chapter with Inter Miami, even after receiving a contract extension offer from his former team.
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“As a free agent, I was open to exploring all my options,” St. Clair shared with ESPN. “This was my first time truly having a say in my career path since I was drafted to Minnesota and received an extension during my time there.
“When the option to join Miami came up, I learned about their vision and motivated projects. Knowing their ambition, I felt that it was the right time for me to make this move in my career.
“Their goal of winning trophies aligns with my ambitions. They emphasized the importance of strengthening the defensive unit, and I believe I can be a key part of that.”
St. Clair also discussed his conversation with Canada’s men’s national team head coach Jesse Marsch regarding the potential impact of joining Inter Miami on his chances of securing the position of starting goalkeeper for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
“Marsch told me, ‘You know what you’re thinking; make the decision that’s best for you, and we’ll support whatever you decide,'” St. Clair recounted. “He acknowledged that playing for Miami means being in a global spotlight, facing greater pressure in matches, competing in the Concacaf Champions League, and having more games leading up to the World Cup—all of which are beneficial.”
“Playing for a globally recognized team and facing that kind of pressure regularly is excellent preparation for the World Cup.”
The 28-year-old joins an Inter Miami team that recently won the MLS Cup for the first time last December, alongside fellow World Cup champions, Argentine players Messi and Rodrigo De Paul.
“As we prepare for the World Cup, surrounding myself with top players will provide me with the best opportunities both in training and during matches,” St. Clair stated. “Learning from players who are defending their title in the World Cup will allow me to adopt their standards and strategies to enhance my performance and support my national team.”
St. Clair has signed a contract with Inter Miami through the end of the 2026 season, with an option for the spring of 2027, following a commendable tenure with Minnesota United where he achieved 37 clean sheets in 174 MLS games. His impressive performance earned him the title of MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2025 and selection as an All-Star in both 2022 and 2025.
He is one of several new additions to Inter Miami, joining Facundo Mura, Micael, and Sergio Reguilón. Reports suggest that further roster changes may occur during the upcoming winter transfer window.