Lionel Messi receives squad boost with new Inter Miami signing following Rodrigo De Paul deal

Inter Miami made a strong statement in the 2025 summer transfer window by securing Rodrigo De Paul from Atletico Madrid, a key move in the club’s efforts to convince Lionel Messi to extend his stay. Now, the Argentine star receives another boost, as the Herons have announced a new addition for the second half of the season.

Following their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Inter Miami face a demanding stretch that includes the Leagues Cup and a push to climb the MLS standings. With several trophies still up for grabs, head coach Javier Mascherano has begun reshaping the squad to prepare for the challenges ahead.

The club has already confirmed the departures of defender David Martinez — whose loan has expired — and Leo Afonso, who transferred to Atlanta United. Combined with ongoing injury issues, these exits have thinned an already stretched squad. Just days after unveiling De Paul, Inter Miami have now made another move to bolster their depth.

Inter Miami announced the signing of defender Cesar Abadia-Reda from their MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, Inter Miami CF II. The 19-year-old joins the first team on a short-term loan deal that will keep him with Messi and company through the end of the 2025 season.

With limited options in defense, Inter Miami opted to promote from within. Abadia-Reda brings experience from the second team, where he made 51 appearances and contributed two goals and an assist. Under MLS rules, short-term agreements allow clubs to temporarily call up players from their MLS NEXT Pro sides for matches in MLS, the U.S. Open Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, Canadian Championship, and friendlies, meaning that he won’t be taking part of the squad for the upcoming Leagues Cup games.

Inter Miami’s ongoing struggles with squad depth

Abadia-Reda was already listed on the bench in Inter Miami’s recent match against FC Cincinnati — a bench that featured just seven players, while the visitors named the full allotment of nine. With Jordi Alba, alongside Messi, suspended for the game, coach Mascherano was forced to deploy midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi at left back.

With Martinez gone, Ian Fray still recovering from injury, and Noah Allen working his way back to full fitness, Inter Miami are dangerously thin at the back, particularly on the left side. Abadia-Reda’s promotion is seen as a crucial step toward adding defensive depth to a squad that continues to feel the strain of a packed schedule.