'Nothing official' - Inter Miami's Javier Mascherano shuts down Brian Rodríguez rumors, remains 'cautious' on Rodrigo De Paul speculation

Atletico Madrid's Rodrigo De Paul and Brian Rodríguez have been the two hottest names linked with Inter Miami ahead of the summer transfer window, which officially opens on July 24. But Javier Mascherano has poured cold water on the rumors - for now.

When asked about the possible arrival of Atlético de Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, the Argentine manager was direct.

“There’s nothing official. I’ve seen the reports, but I always try to be cautious. He’s a player from another club, and I prefer not to talk about players who don’t belong to us,” Mascherano said.

As for Brian Rodríguez, the winger currently playing for Club América, Mascherano dismissed the rumors altogether.

“I have no idea. I won’t speak about it," he said.

The coach added that discussing specific names would be irresponsible, particularly given the league’s salary cap restrictions.

“We’ve talked more about the types of players we want, rather than individual names. A lot depends on what’s financially viable,” he explained.

Mascherano once again addressed concerns for the current matchload for 38-year-old star Lionel Messi.

"We’ll take it step by step and decide what’s best, always discussing it with him," he explained. "It’s not just about rotating Leo - it’s also about managing the workload of our veteran players and monitoring how they’re feeling with so many matches."

At 38, Messi has scored twice in each of his last four MLS appearances, setting a new league record.

While his future remains uncertain, Brian Rodríguez featured for Club América in their Apertura 2025 opener on Friday, providing the assist on Alejandro Zendejas’ goal in a 1-1 draw against FC Juárez.

Mascherano's team is focused on the task at hand, a crucial Eastern Conference showdown this Saturday against second-place Nashville SC, who currently sit on 41 points.