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Inter Miami in Crisis: Messi Forced to Say Goodbye as Argentine Teammate Joins LaLiga

Inter Miami’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, with the Herons grappling with defensive frailties and a misfiring midfield. Despite the brilliance of Lionel Messi, the team has struggled to maintain consistency, and now, the departure of a key Argentine midfielder has added to their woes. As the club bids farewell to Federico Redondo, who has sealed a move to LaLiga’s Elche, Inter Miami are already eyeing a new signing to bolster their faltering backline.

Inter Miami confirmed the transfer of 22-year-old Federico Redondo to Elche, marking the end of his brief but impactful stint with the club. Since joining in February 2024, Redondo became a linchpin in Miami’s midfield, featuring in 60 matches across all competitions. With two goals and four assists to his name, he played a pivotal role in the Herons’ historic 2024 Supporters’ Shield triumph, where they amassed a record-breaking 74 points to claim the club’s second-ever trophy.

However, the arrival of Rodrigo De Paul has reshuffled Miami’s midfield hierarchy, limiting Redondo’s opportunities to reclaim a starting spot. The move to LaLiga offers the young Argentine a chance to shine at a higher level of competition, with Inter Miami securing a sell-on percentage for any future permanent transfer. While the transfer benefits both parties, Redondo’s departure leaves a void in the squad, especially as the Herons struggle to find their rhythm this season.

Inter Miami’s challenges extend beyond the midfield, with their defense exposed as a glaring weak point. Conceding goals at an alarming rate, the Herons are desperate for stability at the back. According to Mexican outlet Súper Deportivo, the club is in advanced negotiations to sign Argentine center back Gonzalo Piovi from Liga MX’s Cruz Azul. Reports suggest a three-year contract has been agreed upon, though the transfer hinges on finalizing Piovi’s release from his current club.

Cruz Azul, however, are driving a hard bargain. TUDN reports that the Mexican side is demanding approximately $7 million for the 30-year-old defender, with no room for negotiation. Piovi has been a cornerstone of Cruz Azul’s backline since joining in January 2024, racking up 74 appearances and contributing six assists. While he has yet to score, his experience and composure make him an ideal candidate to shore up Miami’s defense.

With Redondo’s exit and the potential arrival of Piovi, Inter Miami stand at a critical juncture. The loss of a dynamic midfielder like Redondo places even greater pressure on Messi and his teammates to turn the season around. The Herons’ attacking prowess, led by the legendary Argentine, remains undeniable, but without a solid defensive foundation, their ambitions risk unraveling.

The pursuit of Piovi signals Inter Miami’s intent to address their vulnerabilities, but the hefty price tag and Cruz Azul’s firm stance could complicate matters. As the transfer saga unfolds, fans are left wondering whether this move will be the catalyst for a resurgence or if Miami’s struggles will persist.