Inter Miami continues to build depth with South American talent, signing this time a young and highly touted midfielder with a top-level résumé. Baltasar Rodríguez, 21, arrives in MLS on loan from Racing Club, with an option to buy at the end of the 2025 season.
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Early promise and key achievements
Rodríguez has consistently improved since coming into the first team in 2023. In less than two years, he has recorded nearly 70 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing four assists, in addition to delivering strong performances in pivotal games.
His moment of triumph arrived during Racing's 2024 Copa Sudamericana winning season, when he appeared in eight games, scored one goal, and provided two assists, proving pivotal in capturing the title. The momentum carried over into 2025, when he contributed to Racing's Recopa Sudamericana title, gaining further top-flight experience under his belt.
But his experience does not end with club football. Rodríguez wore the Argentina U-23 shirt in the 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament, under then-manager Javier Mascherano, who is currently his manager at Inter Miami. He came on for five appearances, with one goal, as Argentina qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
By then, his bond with Mascherano would be well established. His trainer is well aware of his repertoire of abilities, which could prove to be a determining factor in how long Rodríguez takes to acclimatize to his new squad.
Mascherano's involvement in the transfer
It comes as no surprise that Inter Miami has signed yet another Argentine. The club has deepened its South American roots, particularly with Argentine signings, since Mascherano arrived. With Rodríguez, the team now boasts 11 Argentine players, alongside a coaching staff led by the former Argentina national team captain.
But nationality was not the only reason behind this move. Mascherano has followed Rodríguez's development with the youth national squads and understands how to integrate him into his organization. The midfielder arrives knowing exactly what his boss demands of him, and that could ease his transition and enhance his contribution to the team.
Learning to adapt to MLS and the next thing
Before he can officially join the team, Rodríguez must complete the necessary paperwork, including obtaining his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Once that is out of the way, he'll have a chance to earn playing time and make a name for himself in MLS.
Inter Miami has made a point of spending on Argentine players in recent years, and Rodríguez's signing is no exception. While he will not be an immediate starter, he does provide the international experience that Mascherano's team desperately needs.
Now, the key question is what he will be used for. South American signings are the norm in MLS today, yet they don't necessarily lead to immediate success. In Rodríguez's case, there are arguments for and against him.
Strengths? He has already played at an elite level and maintained his composure under pressure during the key situations. And also, joining a side with that many other Argentinians and being coached by a man familiar with his manner may settle him in more swiftly. Challenges? Getting used to the physical and fast style of MLS could be an adjustment. His role in the team is far from guaranteed, and he may have to fight for minutes before he becomes a regular starter.
Whether Inter Miami is taking a chance on potential or acquiring a player who is going to make some noise, only time will tell. The deal works, and Rodríguez has an interesting opportunity ahead of him. He is going to a team with a lot of veteran players and a club that desires to make itself a top player within MLS.