Former champion with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami reportedly in talks with one other MLS group

Lionel Messi has spent greater than two years at Inter Miami, leaving a novel mark on Main League Soccer and the membership itself by serving to safe their first two official titles. After sharing the sphere with quite a few teammates, one in every of his former championship-winning colleagues is now poised to return to the league, this time as a rival.

With European leagues making ready for a brand new season, MLS has benefited from an inflow of expertise in the course of the 2025 summer season switch window, highlighted by the arrivals of Rodrigo De Paul and Son Heung-min. With simply 9 days left earlier than the window closes, a well-known face may quickly be making his comeback.

Based on switch specialist German Garcia Grova, the Portland Timbers are engaged on a deal for Matías Rojas. The Paraguayan midfielder was a part of the Messi-led Inter Miami squad that received final season’s Supporters’ Protect. After a rocky spell again in Argentina, his subsequent cease might as soon as once more be MLS.

Frozen out of River Plate’s squad, the Argentine membership has been working to facilitate his departure. Early experiences urged each events have been near a mutual termination with out compensation, however with the Timbers’ sudden curiosity, a proper provide is now anticipated within the coming hours.

After terminating his contract in April 2024, Rojas joined Inter Miami midseason and shortly turned one of many group’s standout performers due to his high quality and method. His contract expired in December, ending his Herons stint with 20 appearances, 9 targets, and two assists. Now, with talks reportedly progressing shortly, an MLS return seems more and more possible.

Rojas’ struggles at River Plate

Following the expiration of his Inter Miami contract, Rojas signed with River Plate as a free agent in January. After impressing in MLS, he was anticipated to play a key function beneath head coach Marcelo Gallardo, however accidents have closely disrupted his time in Buenos Aires.

Initially incomes minutes off the bench, Rojas quickly started battling muscular accidents, lacking 11 matches and that includes in solely seven—scoring as soon as on his debut. On the FIFA Membership World Cup, he made the bench however didn’t see the sphere, capping off a irritating eight months on the membership.