Inter Miami Faces Uncertainty as Star Teammate Races Against Time for 2026 World Cup Comeback

Inter Miami kicked off the 2025 transfer season with a bang, snagging Rodrigo De Paul from Atletico Madrid in a move that had fans buzzing. Yet, as the clock ticks down on the summer window, whispers are swirling that Lionel Messi might soon be watching another teammate bid farewell—a player intent on bouncing back in time for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Earlier this week, Federico Redondo found a fresh start at Elche after Miami parted ways with half of his rights, hinting at a broader midfield shakeup now that Yannick Bright and Baltasar Rodríguez have returned from injury. And if the latest from Deporte Total USA’s Jose Armando holds true, David Ruiz could be the next to hit the exit, eager to chase game time and regain his rhythm ahead of Honduras’ important September clashes. Despite an extended contract locking him in through 2028, talks of a loan deal—with a purchase option—are heating up, mirroring the strategy used for Redondo. For a homegrown talent like Ruiz, sidelined by injury and now warming the bench under Javier Mascherano, this could be the lifeline needed to revive his international ambitions. It’s a tense moment for Miami’s squad depth and for the players fighting for their minutes, as Mascherano keeps his door open for honest talk but demands tough mental grit off the bench. Curious for the full scoop and the latest twists in this evolving saga? LEARN MORE.

Inter Miami’s ambitious 2025 summer transfer window included the blockbuster signing of Rodrigo De Paul from Atletico Madrid. But with only days left before the window closes, Lionel Messi could see another teammate depart, this time one reportedly focused on regaining fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with his national team.

Earlier this week, Federico Redondo was announced as a new Elche player after Inter Miami sold 50% of his rights for $2.5 million, with the midfielder seeking more playing time. With Yannick Bright and Baltasar Rodríguez now back from injury, yet another midfielder appears set to leave Miami.

According to Deporte Total USA’s Jose Armando, David Ruiz could be on the move before the deadline. Inter Miami have already received offers from at least three MLS clubs, as well as interest from Brazil, but the Honduran international is eager to secure a transfer now.

A product of Inter Miami’s academy, Ruiz has struggled to find minutes in 2025. After appearing in just three matches at the start of the season, he missed more than 20 games with an injury. Since returning in July, he has been an unused substitute in seven consecutive matches under Javier Mascherano.

David Ruiz #41 of Inter Miami CF takes a shot during a penalty shootout in a preseason friendly match against America at Allegiant Stadium on January 18, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Inter Miami FC defeated America 3-2 in a penalty shootout.

Per Armando, Ruiz wants to regain match fitness to be ready for Honduras’ 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Honduras, currently atop Group A of the CONCACAF final round, will face Haiti and Nicaragua in early September. Ruiz hopes to earn valuable minutes ahead of those fixtures, something that seems unlikely at Inter Miami.

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Ruiz signed a contract extension with the Herons earlier this year through 2028, with an option for 2029. Inter Miami are now exploring a loan deal for the rest of the 2025 season that includes a purchase option, while retaining a percentage of his rights in a future sale—similar to the arrangement for Redondo.

Mascherano’s office open for complaints

With Telasco Segovia in strong form and Sergio Busquets and De Paul locked in as starters, depth players like Ruiz face an uphill battle for playing time under Mascherano. Tensions surfaced when Benjamin Cremaschi publicly voiced his frustration over his role with the team.

After the LA Galaxy match, Mascherano addressed the situation, making it clear players are free to express concerns. “This is professional soccer. In the end, I decide where I believe each player can give me their best. And as I always say: the doors to my office are always open if anyone is upset or doesn’t want to play in that position, so they can come and tell me.”

He concluded with a pointed message to the players, and specially to Cremaschi: “So far, I haven’t heard any complaints face to face, and nobody has told me anything. As the years go by and he gains more experience, he’ll come to understand the thinking from this side.”