Lionel Messi is now reportedly trying to persuade a former Manchester United star to join him at Inter Miami.
The Argentina captain has demonstrated a growing influence at Inter Miami, both on and off the pitch, since joining the Major League Soccer club in July.
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On 22 December, the Florida outfit announced the signing of Uruguay star Luis Suarez, a move said to have hugely inspired by Messi and one that also marks a reunion between four former FC Barcelona players, with the others being Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's apparent involvement in some of the team's recruitment decisions looks set to continue as he is now reported to have a hand in trying to lure another one of his former teammates to join him in the MLS.
According to Radio Continental 590 in Argentina, Messi and his coach Tata Martino are both trying to convince ex-Red Devils star Marcos Rojo to join Inter Miami.
The report claims the pair have reached out to the defender via phone calls in the hope that he would leave his current club Boca Juniors for the US, but newly-crowned Brazilian champions Palmeiras are also reportedly interested in the 33-year-old's services.
According to Transfermarkt, Rojo and Messi have played together 45 times for the Albiceleste, with only Sergio Romero (50), Angel Di Maria (51) and Javier Mascherano (53) having played in more matches for the 2022 FIFA World Cup champions with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
While Rojo is understood to have signed a contract extension until 2025 just a few months ago, the ongoing turmoil at Boca could reportedly see him make an exit, especially after the club failed to qualify for next season's Copa Libertadores.
Read: Al-Ahli star set for shock exit after six months?
The Argentine giants went through three different managers last term, but with Juan Roman Riquelme recently being appointed as their latest president, major changes are expected to take place at the club, per AS.
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