Inter Miami could be set for a surprising reunion as reports suggest they are eyeing a move for Marcos Rojo, a former Manchester United defender and Lionel Messi’s ex-teammate from the Argentina national team. The 35-year-old, currently captaining Boca Juniors, is reportedly on the radar of the MLS club as they look to bolster their defense ahead of the Club World Cup.
Rojo, who spent six-and-a-half years at Manchester United, made 122 appearances for the Red Devils, winning the FA Cup, League Cup, Europa League, and Community Shield. After falling out of favor at Old Trafford, he returned to his native Argentina in February 2021, joining Boca Juniors. At La Bombonera, Rojo has been a standout, helping the club secure the Primera Division title and two domestic cup competitions.
With his Boca Juniors contract set to expire at the end of 2025, speculation is mounting about a potential move to Inter Miami. According to TNT Sports Argentina, the Herons are considering a summer swoop for the veteran defender. Inter Miami’s defense has struggled this season, conceding 27 goals—the joint-highest among the top ten teams in the MLS Eastern Conference. Despite sitting third in the table, five points behind leaders Philadelphia Union with a game in hand, the team has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight MLS matches.
A move to Inter Miami would reunite Rojo with Lionel Messi, with whom he played 45 times for Argentina between 2011 and 2019. Additionally, Rojo would link up with Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami’s current manager, who played alongside him 53 times for the 2022 World Cup-winning Argentina side from 2011 to 2018, as well as during a brief loan spell at Estudiantes in the 2019/20 season.
Interestingly, Rojo revealed last summer on Radio La Red that Messi had personally reached out to him about joining Inter Miami. “Leo called me… I spoke with Leo Messi, who told me about the possibility of going to Inter,” Rojo said. However, his loyalty to Boca Juniors kept him from making the move at the time. “I wasn’t convinced to leave, I didn’t want to leave,” he added, noting that he discussed the opportunity with Boca’s Juan Roman Riquelme, who encouraged him to stay.
If Rojo joins Inter Miami, he would become the latest of Messi’s former teammates to sign with the club. The Herons already boast Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba—players who enjoyed immense success alongside Messi at Barcelona. A move for Rojo could add further experience and leadership to a squad aiming to compete on multiple fronts, including the upcoming Club World Cup.
As Inter Miami look to shore up their backline and chase silverware, the potential signing of Marcos Rojo—a proven winner and familiar face for Messi and Mascherano—could be a game-changer for the Magic City club.