From an unfulfilled River gamble to Messi’s teammate: Galarza Fonda’s unlikely rise

Matías Galarza Fonda’s career took an unexpected turn from being pushed aside at River Plate to becoming Lionel Messi’s teammate at Inter Miami. The U.S. club confirmed his arrival on loan, completing a rapid change in fortunes for the Paraguayan midfielder.

Galarza Fonda will remain with Inter Miami until the end of the 2026 Major League Soccer season. The agreement includes an option to buy him when the loan ends. The club said the deal was completed before the close of the secondary transfer window, with his arrival pending receipt of the International Transfer Certificate and a P-1 visa.

“Paraguayan talent in Miami. Welcome, Matías!” Inter Miami wrote while presenting the 24-year-old. The club highlighted his international experience and his showing with Paraguay at the latest World Cup, where he scored once and provided an assist during the team’s run to the round of 16.

That tournament changed the picture for a player who had been unable to establish himself at River. Signed from Talleres in the middle of 2025 as one of Marcelo Gallardo’s bets, Galarza Fonda played 14 matches, recorded no goals or assists, and ended the year with a mistake against Racing that contributed to River’s elimination from the Clausura Tournament. He was then loaned to Atlanta United.

After returning from that loan, River considered him surplus to requirements and had him train separately. His representative spoke of interest from Europe, including approaches from Juventus, but no deal materialized. Olimpia and Cerro Porteño also explored moves in Paraguay before Inter Miami completed the transfer.

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Paraguayan talent in Miami. Welcome, Matías!