Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have reportedly reignited talks about the Argentine star, 2025 MLS Cup winner

Lionel Messi has begun preparations for the 2026 MLS season, with the World Cup also on the horizon InterMiami continues to reshape its squad following the most active transfer window in club history. With the winter window still open, the Herons have reportedly reignited talks to secure the signing of a key Argentine player who was part of the club’s 2025 competition. MLS Cup–winning team.

With Sergio Busquets replaced by David Ayala and the additions of German Berterame And Dayne St. ClairInter Miami has significantly strengthened the core of the team and found balance after several departures at the end of last season. However, one of the shortcomings revealed during the last two friendlies was the team’s difficulty in moving the ball from defense to attackwithout a fundamental creative presence in midfield.

According to Argentinian outlet TyC Sports, InterMiami have resumed negotiations to bring Baltasar Rodríguez back to the club. The MLS team recently submitted a $4.5 million counter-offer to Racing Club, but talks stalled at the time. Now the Herons are once again aiming to complete the signing of the midfielder.

After being loaned to Inter Miami for a year and initially struggling with injuries, Rodríguez established himself as a regular starter late in the 2025 season. He played a key role in the MLS Cup run, finishing the season with 22 appearances, three goals and three assists. The midfielder returned to Racing Club for pre-season training in Paraguay after Inter Miami opted not to exercise his purchase option.

Inter Miami reopened negotiations as soon as the purchase clause expired, forcing both clubs back to the table. In January, the Herons reportedly reached personal terms with the 22-year-old, but did not agree with Racing. Now a deal worth around $5 million is expected to be completed, which would see Rodríguez reunite with Messi’s squad.

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In the first two preseason games against Alianza Lima and Atlético Nacional, Inter Miami dominated possession but struggled to generate penetration in the final third. Now that Telasco Segovia is still not in his form of early 2025 after an injury, Rodríguez’s return as a left-sided midfielder could provide both depth and a familiar tactical piece for the MLS Cup-winning side.

Could Inter Miami secure Rodríguez’s signing?

Racing Club are currently undergoing their own selection process, especially in midfield. Agustín Almendra has joined Liga MX side Necaxa, while top prospect Juan Nardoni is expected to move to Brazilian club Grêmio in a deal worth around $10 million. While these changes could present opportunities for Rodríguez, his role has remained limited.

Now that the Argentine Primera División is already underway, Rodríguez featured as a substitute in two of Racing’s first three matches, totaling just 49 minutes of action. If head coach Javier Mascherano were to retain the role Rodríguez filled at the end of last season, the midfielder would likely return as a regular starter alongside Messi. He would thus make a convincing offer that was enough for Inter Miami to make a significant contribution to the 2025 MLS Cup victory.