Who is Baltasar Rodriguez, Messi's Newest Young South American Teammate? | OneFootball

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami added yet another young South American prospect to their roster, completing a long-reported loan move -- with purchase option -- for versatile attacking midfielder Baltasar Rodriguez on Monday.

The 21-year-old Rodriguez joins fello Argentine Tadeo Allende (26, Celta Vigo) and Venezuelan Telasco Segovia (21, Casa Pia) as supporting cast members for Messi and Luis Suarez in what is an increasinly talented and versatile front unit. His loan runs through the end of the current season with an option to purchase thereafter.

Both Allende and Segovia have already proven vital for Miami during a stretch when Messi has missed three games due to muscle overload. Segovia has scored three times already in MLS and Allende has two goals in league play -- including the winner in Sunday's 1-0 home triumph with 10 men over Charlotte FC.

Rodriguez's resume

In Rodriguez, the Herons are adding an interchangeable right-sided attacking player who has already experienced the top levels of South American club football, contributing for a Racing side that won the 2024 Copa Sudamericana.

During his age-20 season at one of Argentina's traditional Big Five, Rodriguez made 33 appearances across all competitions -- including 15 starts -- and had two goals and two primary assists.

He has played in the advanced right and deep-lying right midfield positions as well as the true No. 10 role in his senior carer. That profile could make him an ideal on-field partner to interchange positions with Messi, who is typically listed as a forward on the team sheet but also likes to play deeper and at times wide to the right during attacking sequencs.

Mascherano reunion

Rodriguez also has an existing relationship with Mascherano from his time helping the Argentina U-23 national team qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games.

He made five appearances -- four starts -- during the CONMEBOL Olympic Pre-Tournament, scoring once. But he was left off of Argentina's final roster that traveled to France, with roster sizes limited to 18 players, including three over-age players, for the official Olympic tournament.

It's unclear when Rodriguez could make his debut, but he should be close to matchfit after playing making three league appearances for Racing this season while the final details of the agreement were negotiated.