Inter Miami CF has officially announced the signing of Paraguayan midfielder Matías Gallarza on a loan deal from Argentine club River Plate. The agreement runs through the end of the 2026 season and includes an option to make the transfer permanent. The 24-year-old now joins a squad headlined by Lionel Messi, adding a combative and versatile presence to the midfield.
A Polarizing Figure at the 2026 World Cup
Gallarza gained notoriety during the 2026 World Cup, particularly among French fans and players. In the Round of 16 clash between Paraguay and France—which ended in a 1-0 victory for Les Bleus—Gallarza was accused of deliberate provocation and physical confrontations. According to reports from French outlet Monte Carlo, he repeatedly engaged in aggressive tactics aimed at unsettling Kylian Mbappé and his teammates. L’Équipe documented several incidents, including an elbow on Mbappé, a collision with Jules Koundé, and a heated exchange with Michael Olise.
However, Gallarza’s tournament performance was not solely defined by these flashpoints. He was one of Paraguay’s standout players in the group stage, scoring the winning goal against Turkey with a decisive strike and providing an assist during the tournament. Paraguay advanced to the knockout rounds before their elimination. Overall, Gallarza has earned 19 caps for Paraguay, scoring four goals and registering two assists, according to Opta data.
Career Path and Recent Form
Gallarza’s move to Inter Miami comes after a period of fluctuating form at River Plate. He joined the Buenos Aires club in July 2025 from Talleres, following earlier stints in Brazil with Vasco da Gama and Coritiba. His professional career began at Paraguay’s Olimpia.
At River Plate, Gallarza struggled to secure a regular starting role, making just 14 appearances without registering a goal or assist. In February 2026, he was loaned to Atlanta United in Major League Soccer, where he showed promise and demonstrated his ability to play multiple midfield positions. He returned to River Plate after that loan spell concluded, and now embarks on a new chapter with Inter Miami.
What Gallarza Brings to Inter Miami
Gallarza is known for his tenacity, work rate, and versatility in the middle of the park. His experience in South American and North American leagues, combined with his international exposure, adds depth to Inter Miami’s squad. While his confrontational style may raise eyebrows, his technical contributions and tactical flexibility make him a valuable asset as the club pursues silverware.
As Gallarza links up with Messi and the rest of the Inter Miami roster, fans will be watching to see whether he can channel his competitive edge into productive performances on the pitch.