Lionel Messi's ex-teammate completes Inter Miami transfer, says he's 'happy to reunite' with Argentina captain

Lionel Messi's former Argentina teammate Oscar Ustari has completed a Bosman move to Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Inter Miami, expressing his excitement about reuniting with the left-footed forward.

Earlier this Monday (September 9), Ostari secured a free transfer to the Herons to act as a backup to first-choice goalkeeper Drake Callender. He was roped in after CJ dos Santos underwent a hand surgery.

Upon joining Messi's club, the 38-year-old goalkeeper claimed that he is delighted to move to the American outfit and reunite with the Barcelona legend. The ex-Boca Juniors and Getafe star said (h/t Miami Herald):

"I'm excited to join a club like Inter Miami and grateful for the opportunity to be part of this great institution that aspires to achieve big things. I'm also very happy to reunite with Leo in the locker room and on the field after such a long time. I'm ready to help and contribute my experience to the team at all times, wherever I'm needed, to achieve both collective and personal goals."

Ustari, whose Inter Miami deal will run out later this December, began his career at Argentine team Club Atletico Independiente in 2005. He then joined Getafe, where he featured in 70 outings, before moving to Boca Juniors. He went on to represent Almeria and Sunderland before returning to Argentina to play for Newell's Old Boys in 2014.

After making 45 overall appearances for Messi's former youth team, Ustari relished a few spells in Mexico and Uruguay. He represented Pachuca 128 times from 2020 to 2023 before joining Chilean side Audax Italiano, who released the Olympic gold medallist earlier this July.

Lionel Scaloni shares his thoughts on when Lionel Messi will return to play for Argentina

At a recent press conference, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was asked to offer his thoughts on Lionel Messi's potential return to international setup. The 46-year-old replied (h/t X/@AlbicelesteTalk):

"Regarding Leo, we hope he plays soon. When it's time to announce the next [Argentina] squad, we'll talk to him. We will wait until that day, in about two weeks. Then we'll see if he's in condition to join."

Messi, 37, has been nursing an ankle problem since injuring himself in Argentina's 1-0 Copa America final triumph over Colombia on July 14.

According to journalist Fernando Czyz, the Argentine will return to play for Inter Miami in a MLS clash against Philadelphia Union on Saturday.