<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/"><strong>Lionel Messi</strong></a>’s <strong>Inter Miami</strong> are preparing for the 2026 season with ambitions of competing for every available trophy following their 2025 MLS Cup triumph. With <strong>Tomás Avilés</strong> departing the club and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/sergio-reguilon/"><strong>Sergio Reguilón</strong></a> sidelined by injury, <strong>the Herons have reportedly turned to an Argentine prospect to reinforce their defense</strong>.</p>



<p>During an aggressive winter transfer window that saw Inter Miami announce nine signings, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/tomas-aviles/"><strong>Avilés</strong></a><strong> became one of two Argentines to leave the club, alongside goalkeeper Óscar Ustari</strong>, joining CF Montréal on a one-year loan with a purchase option. His exit followed the arrival of Brazilian defender Micael, but Reguilón’s injury has since created a renewed need along the back line.</p>



<p>According to Argentine outlet <em>DSports Radio</em>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/"><strong>Inter Miami</strong></a><strong> are targeting Tobías Ramírez of Argentinos Juniors</strong>. The 19-year-old center back featured at the U-20 World Cup, where Argentina reached the final, captaining the side in its opener, and has established himself as a regular at both club and international level.</p>



<p>With rosters confirmed for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, Inter Miami listed six defenders for the competition: Gonzalo Luján, Sergio Reguilón, Tomás Avilés, Noah Allen, Maximiliano Falcón, and Ian Fray. However, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/lionel-messis-new-inter-miami-teammate-sergio-reguilon-sparks-concern-after-preseason-injury/"><strong>with Reguilón sidelined by a Grade 2 knee sprain</strong></a> and Avilés already on loan in Montréal, a gap has opened in the defensive unit.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/01/28232200/tobias-ramirez-argentinos-juniors-1920x1080.webp" alt="Tobias Ramirez of Argentinos Juniors." class="wp-image-618295"></figure><figcaption>Tobias Ramirez of Argentinos Juniors.</figcaption></figure>



<p>While <strong>Noah Allen and Gonzalo Luján are expected to cover left back</strong>, the vacancy shifts toward the center of defense. That role is likely to be filled initially by Micael, with Ramírez viewed as both a long-term investment and a player capable of contributing immediately on Messi’s squad.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/lionel-messi-receives-mixed-news-as-two-inter-miami-signings-face-bureaucratic-hurdles/"></div>


<p>Despite turning 19 last November, <strong>Ramírez has already made 43 appearances for Argentinos Juniors and 20 for Argentina’s U-20 national team</strong>. If the deal is completed, he would occupy the U22 Initiative slot vacated by Avilés, joining David Ayala and Mateo Silvetti in that category.</p>



<h2>Inter Miami could face a tough challenge to secure Ramírez</h2>



<p>Argentinos Juniors are widely regarded as one of Argentina’s top youth-producing clubs, consistently exporting talent both domestically and abroad. <strong>Negotiations, however, are often difficult, as Inter Miami previously paid around $8 million to sign Federico Redondo</strong>, and Ramírez is unlikely to come cheaply.</p>



<p>Transfer insider César Luis Merlo recently reported that <strong>Argentinos Juniors rejected a $3 million offer from Deportivo Alavés that included a 50 percent sell-on clause</strong>. That decision suggests Inter Miami would need to significantly improve their bid to complete a deal.</p>



<p>While Inter Miami have added several players on free transfers, including Dayne St. Clair, Facundo Mura, Luis Barraza, Micael, and Reguilón, they have also spent heavily in recent windows. With <strong>fees paid for Ayala ($2M), Tadeo Allende ($5M), and a reported €15 million obligation for Rodrigo De Paul following his loan</strong>, the club will need to balance ambition with financial caution.</p>

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami reportedly target Argentine prospect after Avilés’ departure and Reguilon’s injury

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami reportedly target Argentine prospect after Avilés’ departure and Reguilon's injury - World Soccer Talk

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<p><strong>Inter Miami</strong> are set to begin their preseason tour of friendly matches in South America while also finalizing their roster for the 2026 <strong>MLS </strong>campaign. In that context, <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a></strong> has seen two fellow Argentines depart the club.</p>



<p><em><strong>“Oscar Ustari and Inter Miami have reached an agreement to terminate his contract,”</strong></em> reporter Jose Armando stated on his <em>X</em> account. <em>“The goalkeeper will not continue with the team in any capacity.”</em></p>



<p><strong>Ustari</strong> joined the Herons in mid-2024 and, after serving as <strong>Drake Callender</strong>’s backup during his first few months, became heavily involved with the team starting in 2025. He appeared in 40 matches last season across <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mls/">MLS</a></strong>, the <strong>Leagues Cup,</strong> the <strong>CONCACAF Champions Cup</strong>, and the <strong>FIFA Club World Cup.</strong></p>



<p>However, near the end of the year, the Argentine goalkeeper lost his spot to <strong>Rocco Rios Novo</strong>, who established himself as the starter and manned the net during <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/">Inter Miami</a></strong>’s MLS playoffs run, which culminated in the first league title in club history.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">We have loaned defender Tomás Avilés to CF Montréal through the conclusion of the 2026 season.<br><br>Details: <a href="https://t.co/EnUX3L5R4y">https://t.co/EnUX3L5R4y</a> <a href="https://t.co/YfOoM2gRp3">pic.twitter.com/YfOoM2gRp3</a></p>— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) <a href="https://twitter.com/InterMiamiCF/status/2014760506003751233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2026</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Ahead of the 2026 season, it was initially expected that Oscar Ustari would remain with Inter Miami, even if only in a secondary role. Instead, the club moved forward with the signings of <strong>Dayne St. Clair</strong> and <strong>Luis Barraza</strong> and, in recent days, <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/lionel-messi-receives-squad-boost-as-inter-miami-bring-back-2025-mls-cup-winner-on-permanent-deal/">finalized Rios Novo’s return</a></strong>, a sequence of moves that ultimately led to Ustari’s departure.</p>


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<h2>Tomas Aviles leaves Inter Miami</h2>



<p>Oscar Ustari’s exit was followed in recent hours by the departure of another Argentine player. <em><strong>“We have loaned defender Tomas Aviles to CF Montreal through the conclusion of the 2026 season,”</strong></em> Inter Miami announced Friday in <strong><a href="https://www.intermiamicf.com/news/inter-miami-cf-loans-defender-tomas-aviles-to-cf-montreal">a statement published on the club’s official website</a></strong>.</p>



<p>Aviles was one of Inter Miami’s first signings after Messi’s arrival in the summer of 2023, joining the club from<strong> Racing Club</strong> in Argentina. After playing an important role during his first year and a half in MLS, the defender saw his playing time diminish during the 2025 season. <strong>Maximiliano Falcon</strong> became the anchor of the back line, while the center back spot alongside him rotated among Aviles, <strong>Gonzalo Lujan, </strong>and <strong>Noah Allen.</strong></p>



<p>For 2026, <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/inter-miami-announce-signing-of-new-defender-as-lionel-messi-gets-another-south-american-teammate/">the Herons signed Brazilian defender Micael</a> </strong>to strengthen that area of the field, further reducing Aviles’ chances of consistent playing time. At the same time, the club faced an overcrowded U-22 player pool, which could have created registration issues. As a result, the loan move to <strong>CF Montreal</strong> appears to be a beneficial solution for all parties involved.</p>

Lionel Messi loses two Argentine teammates as Inter Miami reshape roster for next MLS season

Lionel Messi loses two Argentine teammates as Inter Miami reshape roster for next MLS season - World Soccer Talk

<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/"><strong>Inter Miami</strong></a>‘s <strong>MLS</strong> season opener against <strong>New York City FC</strong> was full of drama, with several twists in the first half alone. After scoring the Herons’ first goal from a brilliant assist by <strong>Lionel Messi</strong>, <strong>center-back <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/tomas-aviles/">Tomas Aviles</a> was shown a red card following a late tackle</strong>.</p>



<p>Just five minutes into the match, Inter Miami took the lead when Messi and Jordi Alba played a perfect one-two, <strong>setting up <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Messi</a> to deliver a precise ball to Aviles</strong>, who simply had to tap it in.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Argentina connection between Aviles and Messi. 🇦🇷<br><br>Leo gets his first assist of 2025 and <a href="https://twitter.com/InterMiamiCF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@InterMiamiCF</a> lead early. <br><br>📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLSSeasonPass?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MLSSeasonPass</a> or Apple TV+: <a href="https://t.co/New3YJgffK">https://t.co/New3YJgffK</a> <a href="https://t.co/6hUqW4vjGb">pic.twitter.com/6hUqW4vjGb</a></p>— Major League Soccer (@MLS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1893463285023854745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>However, things quickly took a turn in the 22nd minute. As NYC FC’s Alonso Martinez found himself in a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, <strong>Aviles tugged the forward’s shirt from behind</strong>, earning a red card from referee Rosendo Mendoza shortly after opening the scoring.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="ar" dir="rtl">بلنتي للخصم<br><br>هذه المباراة برعاية <a href="https://twitter.com/TheKusamarian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheKusamarian</a> <a href="https://t.co/bG1rhswqfw">pic.twitter.com/bG1rhswqfw</a></p>— Messi World (@M10GOAT) <a href="https://twitter.com/M10GOAT/status/1893466602160472382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p><strong>The foul proved costly, as NYC FC equalized just minutes later</strong>. A well-executed set-piece led to Maximiliano Moralez sending a pinpoint pass to Mitja Ilenič, who finished clinically to level the score.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250223_WST_556335_Inter-Miami-MLS-1200x675_23d4db07.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-556345" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/22210101/Inter-Miami-MLS-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/22210101/Inter-Miami-MLS-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/22210101/Inter-Miami-MLS-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/22210101/Inter-Miami-MLS-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/22210101/Inter-Miami-MLS-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/22210101/Inter-Miami-MLS-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/22210101/Inter-Miami-MLS-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/02/22210101/Inter-Miami-MLS.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>In response to the numerical disadvantage in defense, coach <strong>Javier Mascherano</strong> decided to <strong>substitute midfielder David Ruiz for center-back Ian Fray to solidify the backline</strong> and hold the result for the rest of the game.</p>


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<h2>Messi’s second assist sets up Segovia’s equalizer</h2>



<p>Inter Miami was on the brink of a 2-1 defeat, playing with one fewer player for most of the match. However, <strong>Messi once again proved the difference</strong>, helping the Herons level the score in the 90+10 minutes.</p>



<p>After drawing the attention of three defenders with a brilliant run, <strong>Messi delivered a perfectly weighted through ball to Telasco Segovia</strong>. The Venezuelan winger finished with a clinical strike over the goalkeeper, making it 2-2.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">OH MY 😱<br><br>Another Messi assist laaaate in stoppage time to equalize. <a href="https://t.co/ZEt6KeD2Cf">pic.twitter.com/ZEt6KeD2Cf</a></p>— Major League Soccer (@MLS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1893493176347861205?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Picault and Weigandt, out due to injuries</h2>



<p><strong>Fafa Picault, a free agent signing from Vancouver Whitecaps, was one of the new faces for Inter Miami in the 2025 MLS season</strong>. The Haitian forward had impressed in preseason matches, including the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Sporting Kansas City. However, his MLS debut took a turn for the worse.</p>



<p>Just 10 minutes into the match, <strong>Picault fell to the ground, appearing to suffer a muscle injury</strong>. He was replaced by Robert Taylor, leaving Inter Miami down one attacking option early in the game.</p>



<p>Later in the match, Marcelo Weigandt was seen showing discomfort in his left leg. To avoid using another substitution window, he held off until the end of the first half. At the start of the second half, <strong>Weigandt was substituted for Federico Redondo, marking another muscular injury for Inter Miami</strong>.</p>

Video: Tomas Aviles gets red card after being assisted by Messi in first MLS goal for Inter Miami vs. NYC FC

Video: Tomas Aviles gets red card after being assisted by Messi in first MLS goal for Inter Miami vs. NYC FC - World Soccer Talk


<p>There will soon be yet another Argentine playing for Inter Miami as the club lands a talented defender.</p>



<p>On Tuesday, the club announced that they had signed center-back <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/inter-miami-to-sign-argentine-tomas-aviles-20230727-WST-445881.html">Tomas Aviles</a>. Aviles signed a deal that keeps him with the club until the 2026 MLS season. The MLS’s U-22 program is what brought in the 19-year-old.</p>



<p>Aviles will use up an international roster spot, and his contract contains options for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. “We’re very happy to sign Tomas, a prospect we feel has a very bright future ahead. Tomas is a talented young player who will help us bolster our backline”, Miami’s Director of Sports and Head of the Soccer Department Chris Henderson remarked.</p>



<h2>Inter Miami needed new defender</h2>



<p>The young center-back stated in a statement, “This is an exciting opportunity for me and I can’t wait to represent <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/inter-miami-tv-schedule/">Inter Miami</a>. I will do anything I can to support this team and see it through to success.”</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Oficial✍🇦🇷 Bienvenido, Toto!<br><br>We have signed defender Tomás Avilés to a contract running through the 2026 season. The center back joins the Club from Argentine side Racing Club as part of MLS’ U-22 initiative. Find out all the details: <a href="https://t.co/WremuEwCWX">https://t.co/WremuEwCWX</a> <a href="https://t.co/6zX4f46mk9">pic.twitter.com/6zX4f46mk9</a></p>— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) <a href="https://twitter.com/InterMiamiCF/status/1686498924939329536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Defense has been Tata Martino’s side’s Achilles heel, so this deal couldn’t have come at a better time. They had previously lost two key defensive players, Franco Negri and Ian Fray, to injury.</p>



<h5>Who is Tomas Aviles?</h5>



<p>Aviles debuted for Racing Club, an Argentine club, just seven months ago. He’s played in 20 games and contributed once. Aviles has also played for both the Argentina and Chilean national teams, starting five games overall.</p>



<p>During the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, he played a significant role in the Argentine U-20 squad, starting two games. Meanwhile, at the 2023 CONMEBOL U-20 South American Championship, he scored three goals for Chile’s U-20 team.</p>



<p>Both he and 20-year-old midfielder Facundo Farias, who <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/inter-miami-transfer-facundo-farias-to-award-messi-20230715-WST-443586.html">joined Inter Miami last week</a>, are the latest Argentines to call Miami home. Just like Aviles, Farias is using one of the international roster slots that the club acquired in a deal with the San Jose Earthquakes last week. By prioritizing the development of young players, the club is showing that it is committed to the long term and is serious about building a strong squad.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Agencia-MexSport</em></p>


The recent purchase of a promising young Argentine defender demonstrates the determination for Inter Miami to improve its squad.

Messi's side Inter Miami adds young defender amid injury woes

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Video: Tomas Aviles gets red card after being assisted by Messi in first MLS goal for Inter Miami vs. NYC FC

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