Lionel Messi led Inter Miami keen on signing player from River Plate in 2025 - Reports
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami are interested in signing River Plate midfielder Rodrigo Villagra for the 2025 season, according to reports from Pasión Fútbol. River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo is considering his departure as the midfielder has struggled to secure regular playing time.
A potential move would see him partner up with Lionel Messi in the MLS under the guidance of Tata Martino. Villagra, who arrived at River Plate in February 2024, previously had limited opportunities under then-coach Martín Demichelis.
Even after Gallardo’s return to the club, the midfielder has seen little time on the field, prompting River Plate to explore transfer options. Inter Miami are now among the clubs interested, with Martino viewing Villagra as a suitable candidate to strengthen their midfield.
The Argentine club hopes to recoup some of the $7 million they invested to sign the player from CA Talleres in February 2024. Tata Martino sees Villagra as an ideal candidate to bolster Inter Miami's midfield as they look to build a team around Messi for the future.
The transfer could be a win-win situation for both clubs, giving Villagra a fresh start in the MLS while allowing River Plate to pursue other targets for 2025. The 23-year-old made 22 appearances for the Argentine powerhouse across competitions last season, including just a single start in the league.
Lionel Messi set to leave Inter Miami in 2025, next club reportedly decided - Reports
Lionel Messi’s time at Inter Miami is nearing its end, with a report from El Nacional (via TalkSport) suggesting his next move has already been decided. The Argentine star is expected to return to his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, when his contract with Inter Miami expires in December 2025.
Since joining Inter Miami as a free agent in 2023, Lionel Messi has transformed the club. He led the team to their first-ever trophy last year - the Leagues Cup. They currently sit eight points clear at the top of the MLS standings, with Messi guiding them toward the MLS Cup.
Despite his success, he is reportedly set to return to Newell’s Old Boys, the club where he began his career before joining Barcelona at age 13. He has long expressed his desire to finish his playing days at Newell’s, telling El Planeta Urbano in 2016:
“If I go back to Argentina tomorrow, which I would love, the club I would play for would be Newell's.”
Messi recently returned from injury, scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union, taking his season tally to 14 goals and 10 assists in 15 league games. Inter Miami remains on course to win the Supporters Shield this year.