Lionel Messi snubbed! Why ex-Man Utd star Marcos Rojo turned down MLS transfer offer from fellow Argentine at Inter Miami

Ahead of the 2024 campaign, with the Herons busy assembling a star-studded squad in Florida, reports emerged of interest being shown in former Manchester United defender Rojo. With Luis Suarez on his way to join Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba at Chase Stadium, Messi wanted another familiar face alongside him.

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Argentina international team-mate Rojo was sounded out regarding a move to the United States from Boca Juniors. The 34-year-old defender discussed the matter with Messi, but ultimately decided to remain in his homeland.

Explaining that decision, Rojo has told Radio La Red: “Leo called me, it’s not like it was just anyone or an intermediary, no one. I spoke with Leo Messi, who told me about the possibility of going to Inter. Imagine what that means for any footballer. The truth is I was not convinced to leave Boca, I had recently renewed. The only thing I did was communicate with Roman (Riquelme) to tell him about the situation and to tell him that if he needed me here I was going to stay. I wasn’t convinced to leave, I didn’t want to leave. If he told me that he needed me here for this year, I was 100% convinced to continue in Boca and I want to continue doing it.”

Messi has enjoyed a productive campaign without Rojo by his side, as he generates MVP talk, and is currently away on international duty at the 2024 Copa America. Inter Miami continue to explore the market for more new recruits, with Real Madrid centre-half Nacho and World Cup winner Angel Di Maria – who is currently at Benfica – among those said to be in their sights.