Lionel Messi and Inter Miami chasing another Argentine! Tata Martino keen for reunion with Houston Dynamo defender Franco Escobar

According to Cesar Luis Merlo, the Herons are looking to bring Escobar to South Beach to shore up their defensive issues. Tata Martino is looking to reunite with Escobar, who he won the 2018 MLS Cup with at Atlanta United.

The Herons defense has been a focal point of frustration during preseason, conceding sloppy and unnecessary goals across the seven-game stretch. In total, their goal-differential during the span was minus five, with 13 goals conceded.

Adding Escobar to the mix would immediately bolster the right-back position, while also allowing either 28-year-old or DeAndre Yedlin to insert as a right center-back in a back-three formation if needed. Martino opted for that in the first five games of preseason, but switched to a back-four for their final two games.

He has been a standout defender for the Houston Dynamo since arriving last January from LAFC. He made 41 appearances, scoring three goals in 2023.

Alongside Escobar on the Atlanta United team that won the 2018 MLS Cup under Martino was current Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron. The Paraguayan - to this day - has commanded the largest-ever transfer fee for the league.

The Herons open their 2024 season against Real Salt Lake Wednesday evening. USMNT Olympic hopeful Diego Luna will look to lead the Western Conference side to victory over the 2023 Leagues Cup champions and Lionel Messi.