Matías Galarza Signs with Inter Miami After 2026 World Cup Goal and Assist

Inter Miami CF secured Paraguay midfielder Matías Galarza from River Plate on the final day of the MLS transfer window.

Matías Galarza officially signed a contract with Inter Miami CF on Wednesday night, completing a transfer from Argentinian side River Plate. The Paraguay international arrives in South Florida on the final day of the MLS secondary transfer window, which closes at midnight. Galarza previously recorded one assist in 13 total appearances for Atlanta United FC during a loan spell earlier this year, featuring in both MLS regular season matches and U.S. Open Cup play.

The midfielder's recent form includes a standout performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Representing Paraguay, Galarza scored one goal during a group stage fixture against Türkiye. He followed that performance with an assist in a round of 32 upset victory over Germany. His arrival coincides with the appointment of new head coach Cristian Gonzalez, who replaces interim manager Guillermo Hoyos at the helm of the Eastern Conference club.

Deadline Day Roster Additions

Galarza is the second player to join the Herons on deadline day, following the confirmed signing of Brazilian winger Riquelme Fillipi earlier on Wednesday. These acquisitions bolster a squad that currently occupies second place in the Eastern Conference standings. Inter Miami has accumulated 42 points through 22 games played in the current campaign. The deal for Galarza was finalized just hours before the league's registration deadline.

Defensive and Midfield Departures

Simultaneous to these arrivals, defender Noah Allen is set to join Chicago Fire FC. Allen was notably absent from Inter Miami’s training session on Wednesday morning as the two clubs entered advanced negotiations. A source confirmed to ESPN that the deal is expected to be finalized shortly. Additionally, the club has sanctioned a loan move for midfielder David Ruiz to the New York Red Bulls.

In exchange for Ruiz, Inter Miami receives $75,000 in 2027 general allocation money. The agreement with the New York Red Bulls includes a permanent transfer option that can be exercised at the conclusion of the current season. These transactions represent a significant reshuffling of the roster under the direction of the new coaching staff during the final hours of the secondary window.

Matías Galarza’s MLS Experience

Having already completed a full season on loan with Atlanta United FC, Galarza enters the Inter Miami locker room with established familiarity with the North American league. His 13 appearances in Georgia provided the foundation for his return to the United States. The 2026 World Cup veteran now transitions from the Argentine Primera División back to Major League Soccer to join a team competing for the top spot in the East.

Cristian Gonzalez takes over a side that has maintained a consistent scoring pace to reach 42 points. The integration of Galarza and Riquelme Fillipi marks the end of the club's activity in this specific transfer period. The departure of Allen and the loaning of Ruiz provide the financial and roster flexibility required to accommodate the new signings from River Plate and the Brazilian market.