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Inter Miami reportedly closing in on promising prospect from Lionel Messi’s boyhood club

As Inter Miami gear up for the decisive stretch of the MLS season, the club is reportedly finalizing a deal for one of the top young talents from Lionel Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys.

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF reacts after the team's defeat against FC Cincinnati.
© Jeff Dean/Getty ImagesLionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF reacts after the team's defeat against FC Cincinnati.

With Lionel Messi leading the way, Inter Miami are gearing up for a pivotal second half of the 2025 season. Fresh off their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, the Herons are back in MLS play as they look to climb toward the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

At the same time, Inter Miami continue their push in the Leagues Cup — the tournament where Messi lifted his first trophy with the club back in 2023. On Wednesday, they’ll face Tigres from Mexico in a high-stakes quarterfinal matchup.

Meanwhile, the front office is close to securing another addition to Javier Mascherano’s squad. According to Fabrizio Romano, Miami are finalizing a deal for 19-year-old forward Mateo Silvetti, one of the top prospects from Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s boyhood club in Argentina.

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Silvetti made his professional debut in 2024 and has already logged 37 appearances with six goals. Earlier this year, an investment group acquired his rights for around $8 million including add-ons.

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While Newell’s initially hoped to keep him through December, the move now appears to be accelerating, with only final details left before Silvetti makes the switch to Miami.

Mascherano provides update on Messi’s status for Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup QF vs Tigres

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Inter Miami’s transfer moves

After advancing to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals, Inter Miami are working to strengthen Javier Mascherano’s squad as Lionel Messi and company continue their pursuit of ambitious goals this season.

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The club’s first signing of the transfer window was midfielder Rodrigo De Paul from Atletico Madrid. De Paul has quickly established himself as a starter and scored his first goal for Miami in just his fourth appearance.

On the departure side, four players have already left the roster. Paraguayan defender David Martinez saw his loan expire and was not retained, while forward Leo Afonso was traded to Atlanta United.

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This week, midfielder Federico Redondo completed a move to Elche CF in Spain, and goalkeeper Drake Callender was traded to Charlotte FC. According to reports, midfielder David Ruiz could be next out the door, with interest from at least three clubs.

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