Lionel Messi’s former teammate Baltasar Rodriguez sheds light on the future after Inter Miami’s loan expired

Baltasar Rodriguez quickly emerged as one of them Lionel Messi‘s key teammates during Inter Miami’s 2025 MLS Cup run, playing a fundamental role in midfield late in the season. Now back in Argentina, the 22 year old has offered clarity about his future after his loan spell at InterMiami came to an end.

Argentine club Racing Club loaned Rodriguez to Inter Miami in March until the end of the 2025 season, but injuries sidelined the midfielder during his first months in MLS. As the season progressed, including the MLS playoffs, Rodriguez became a regular starter in Messi’s lineupand when his loan expired, questions naturally arose about his next move.

In an interview with Olé diaryRodriguez explained how Racing Club informed him of his return: “They had already asked me what was going to happen, and until then I didn’t know if Inter would buy me. Yesterday (Tuesday)When I woke up, I received messages from Federico Costas (Gustavo’s son and the fitness coach) told me to report to the team on January 3.“

With the transfer window now open, the midfielder discussed how he sees the next step in his career. “I feel good because I also want another chance at Racing, and I am happy to know that they are counting on me.he said.I want to be important again like in 2023. I want to show who I really am; I know that in 2024 I was not at the level that I can reach.Rodriguez added.

According to DSports Radio, Inter Miami is still working on a permanent contract for Baltasar Rodriguezwhose loan included a purchase obligation that was not activated. To complete the transfer, the Herons would now have to pay a report A compensation of $5 millionsimilar to the original mandatory purchase option.

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Rodriguez played in 22 games for Inter Miami, scoring three goals and adding three assists. Although his raw numbers were modest, his role as a left-sided midfielder behind Mateo Silvetti late in the season increased his importance above Telasco Segovia, and at just 22 years old, Rodriguez is also seen as an MLS-proven asset with long-term upside.

Rodriguez and a year he will never forget alongside Messi

Head coach Javier Mascherano was instrumental in bringing Rodriguez to Miami after previously coaching him with the Argentina U-20 national team. Surrounded by stars, Lionel Messi became something of a mentor for the young midfielderwho admitted that he learned valuable lessons about the game during their time together.

When asked what Messi taught him, Rodriguez spoke highly of the experience: “Lots of things. He taught me a lot and also shouted at me so that I would understand the game. He taught me when to do things and when not to. I always played at the same pace and he told me to stay calm, that my advantage was my strength. I worked on that and learned how to use it to my advantage.“

The midfielder also revealed how often he sought Messi’s guidance when positioning. “I asked him a lot about my position and where I could make a difference. ‘You position yourself here and you make the difference‘, he said to me,said Rodriguez, before highlighting Messi’s lighter side.And when it comes to jokes, that little guy is incredible; he jokes a lot. And then Rodrigo (From Paul) arrived, it took things to another level. The two together are something else”, he concluded.