Lionel Messi's Inter Miami dealt blow as transfer target set to sign new deal with current club: Reports

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have been dealt a transfer blow, as their target Marcos Rojo is on the verge of signing a new deal with current club Boca Juniors. The defender notably spent seven years at Manchester United - from 2014 to 2021, before returning to his home country to play for Xeneize.

He has been in Argentina since 2021, playing 105 games and scoring eight goals. However, it looked like a move would be on the cards, with his contract at Boca Juniors set to expire in December 2025. With an extension yet to be agreed upon, Marcos Rojo's name was placed on the radar in Miami.

A new report from Pasion Futbol (via Inter Miami News), though, has claimed that the 34-year-old is on the verge of renewing his deal with Boca Juniors. This will come as a blow to the Herons, who are looking to build upon their successes of last season by looking at the transfer market abroad.

There might have been some interest in a move to Miami from Rojo's end, especially as he would have reunited with his former Argentina teammates. He notably played in the national team alongside Herons captain Lionel Messi and new head coach Javier Mascherano.

If they are unable to sign Marcos Rojo, they will need to turn to other transfer targets. One option is fellow Argentine Nicolas Tagliafico, who has revealed that he wants to play for Inter Miami.

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Former USMNT forward slams Lionel Messi for failing to lead Inter Miami to MLS Cup glory

Former USMNT forward Herculez Gomez has slammed Lionel Messi for failing to lead Inter Miami to win the MLS Cup. The legendary Argentine playmaker drove them to the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters' Shield in 2024, but the crowning glory of the MLS Cup eluded them.

Gomez spoke about the club's failure to win the trophy, which they were widely seen as favorites. He said on ESPN's Futbol Americas (via GOAL):

"Inter Miami has the best player of all time on their roster, who by the way is league MVP. They gave you keys of the kingdom, not to bow out in three games to Atlanta United, to a 9th place team, to Rob Valentino who no longer was the team interim coach at Atlanta United. In three games, they couldn’t beat Brad Guzan."

"It’s one of the biggest failures in MLS’ history and you damn well know. Every exec Don Garber, whatever hair he had on top of his head was pulling it out, you had one job. It’s one of the biggest failures I’ve seen in North American sports in quite some time."

Lionel Messi was one of the best players in Fort Lauderdale, scoring 23 goals and 13 assists in just 25 games last season.