World Cup winner and Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammate reportedly set to join Tigres UANL

Tigres UANL are entering a pivotal phase of the 2025 season, currently competing in the semifinals of the Liga MX Clausura tournament. As they aim to build a stronger squad for the second half of the year, the club is reportedly closing in on the signing of a World Cup winner and teammate of Lionel Messi from Argentina’s national team.

The Mexican giants suffered a major setback in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, falling to Cruz Azul in the semifinals with a 2–1 aggregate loss. With their international hopes dashed, Tigres are now focused on making a high-impact move during the upcoming summer transfer window.

According to Relevo reporter Matteo Moretto, Tigres are finalizing a deal with Atletico Madrid striker Angel Correa. A verbal agreement has reportedly been reached between the club and the Argentina player, and it’s now only a matter of time before his move to Liga MX becomes official.

Tigres president Mauricio Culebro recently acknowledged the club’s interest in Correa but remained cautious when discussing the status of the deal. “Angel Correa is one option among many we have. He’s a great player that anyone would love to have, but there are others as well. We’re waiting for the right timing, for the tournament to end, so we can make a decision,” said the executive on press conference.

Correa was part of Argentina’s squad that lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has spent nearly a decade in Europe under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid. Now 30, the forward is expected to arrive in top form and could be a marquee signing for Tigres in the seasons ahead.

A market opportunity for Tigres UANL

Angel Correa joined Atletico Madrid in January 2015 from Argentine club San Lorenzo. With the Spanish side preparing to overhaul its roster this summer, Correa is among several players expected to depart. Tigres took advantage of the opportunity, stepping in with a strong offer amid reported interest from Argentine powerhouse River Plate.

The reported transfer fee is around $6 million—well below Correa’s estimated market value of €15 million on Transfermarkt. With his contract set to expire in June 2026, Atletico Madrid opted to cash in now rather than risk losing the player for free next year.