Lionel Messi gets new Inter Miami teammate who sparked huge backlash during World Cup
A new teammate has joined Lionel Messi at Inter Miami who created huge outrage among French football fans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Midfield star Matias Galarza of Paraguay has joined Inter Miami from Argentinian club River Plate on loan until the end of the 2026 season, with an option to buy.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Lionel Messi has a new teammate at Inter Miami
Inter Miami announced Galarza’s acquisition via their X handle, writing:
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“Paraguayan talent in Miami. Welcome, Matías!”
Galarza had a forgettable stint at River Plate after joining the team in 2025 from Talleres. Before that, he had played for Brazil’s Vasco da Gama and Coritiba.
Galarza only made 14 appearances for River Plate and did not score a single goal, while managing just one assist. His performances prompted the club to send him on loan to Atlanta United in February 2026 before returning to River Plate.
Furthermore, Galarza made headlines during this year’s FIFA World Cup when Paraguay faced France in the round of 16. He reportedly angered Les Bleus fans by deliberately provoking Kylian Mbappe and company to distract them from the game.
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Notably, he clashed with French players such as Mbappe, Jules Kounde and Michael Olise, but France ended up winning the game 1-0.
Despite this, Galarza played a major role in Paraguay’s 1-0 win over Turkey, scoring in the second minute to help Paraguay secure a place in the round of 16.
In 19 appearances for Paraguay, the 24-year-old has scored four goals and provided two assists.
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