Lionel Messi reportedly to get squad boost from boyhood club as Inter Miami part ways with Drake Callender

Lionel Messi has seen Inter Miami undergo significant changes during the 2025 summer transfer window, with goalkeeper Drake Callender’s departure the latest move. With just days left before the window closes, Messi is reportedly set to get another squad boost, this time from his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys.

On Monday, Inter Miami officially announced Callender’s move to Charlotte FC after he first joined the Herons in 2019. The goalkeeper was a starter and key contributor in Miami’s first trophies, including the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.

In 2025, however, Callender was sidelined for much of the season due to a groin injury. With Oscar Ustari and Rocco Ríos Novo now ahead of him in Javier Mascherano’s depth chart, a move in search of minutes was always on the horizon. Charlotte revealed details of the deal on its official website, noting Inter Miami will receive $750,000 in General Allocation Money split across two installments, with an additional $75,000 in conditional GAM possible, plus a percentage of any future sale or transfer.

Inter Miami targeting Argentine talent

According to Fabrizio Romano, Inter Miami are close to securing the signing of Mateo Silvetti from Messi’s boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder is considered one of Argentina’s top young prospects, having already represented the U20 national team, and is now set to continue his development in MLS.

As reported by journalist Uriel Lugt, Silvetti’s rights were purchased by an investor group four months ago, making an eventual departure from Newell’s inevitable. Inter Miami have moved quickly to strike a deal, which is expected to be finalized before the August 21 deadline.

While his signing is imminent, Silvetti won’t be available right away. He is currently recovering from a fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his left foot, though he is expected to return to action by late-August.

Silvetti will join a list of new arrivals that already includes Rodrigo De Paul, and he is seen as a creative replacement following Federico Redondo’s move to Spanish side Elche. Much like Facundo Farias before him, another young Argentine star is set to become a central part of Inter Miami’s long-term project.