Inter Miami Lands Rising Argentine Star to Fuel Championship Push
Inter Miami confirmed the acquisition of Mateo Silvetti from Newell's Old Boys on Friday, securing the Argentine talent with a long-term deal.
Silvetti has committed to the Herons until the 2029 Major League Soccer campaign with a club option for an additional season.
The 19-year-old midfielder emerged through Newell's Old Boys' youth system and gained recognition with the first team. He has featured in 37 matches for the Argentine club, netting six times while contributing two assists. Silvetti has also earned recognition with Argentina's U-20 squad after making his international debut in 2024. Javier Mascherano, currently managing Inter Miami, previously worked with Silvetti during his three caps with the U-20 national team.
Silvetti "becomes part of the roster under MLS' U-22 program while awaiting his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa approval. The deal was finalized before MLS' secondary transfer window deadline," Inter Miami stated in their official announcement.
What attracted Inter Miami to the 19-year-old prospect is his flexibility across offensive positions. While primarily deployed as a right-sided winger, he possesses the capability to operate on the left flank or through the middle, offering Miami valuable depth as they approach the season's crucial phase.
With Tadeo Allende experiencing inconsistent form this campaign, Silvetti provides Mascherano with a promising young alternative he has previously mentored to refresh the right wing position. Additionally, his positional versatility means Silvetti could serve as backup for Lionel Messi, particularly important given the superstar's recent injury concerns. Maintaining Messi's fitness, along with Luis Suárez's peak performance, remains crucial for their championship aspirations this season.
The Herons currently occupy fifth place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, though they possess three matches in hand compared to their rivals due to schedule adjustments related to FIFA Club World Cup commitments. Should Miami claim victory in all three postponed fixtures, they would overtake FC Cincinnati for the conference summit and lead the Supporters' Shield standings—a trophy they aim to retain following last year's record-breaking campaign.
However, their previous season ended disappointingly in the MLS Cup Playoffs with a first-round elimination against Atlanta United. Inter Miami believes adding Silvetti will provide additional firepower for the final stretch, complementing their earlier summer addition of Rodrigo De Paul.
Following their victory over Tigres UANL to reach the Leagues Cup semifinals, the Herons return to MLS competition on Saturday against D.C. United.