Incoming Inter Miami recruit Giovanni Ferraina says it would be a dream come true to play alongside fellow Argentine Lionel Messi.

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to ESPN, the 20-year-old will join the Major League Soccer side on a one-year loan with an option to buy for €1.5 million. Initially, the centre-back will be in Miami’s reserve side but he hopes to graduate to the first-team and play alongside compatriot Messi.

WHAT GIOVANNI FERRAINA SAID

He told ESPN: “I am very eager and excited to face this new challenge. I am very grateful to all the people at Inter and Boca. I am very prepared physically and mentally to face this challenge.”

When asked about the possibility of playing with Messi, he added: “It would be a dream to be able to share a training session with the best in the world. The great goal is to be in the first team, I am going with a backpack full of hopes.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

There is no guarantee the youngster, who can also play at left-back, will make the grade at Miami, however. The left-footed defender never played for Boca’s first-team, so he may need to take his game to a new level to feature in the MLS.

WHAT NEXT?

Ferraina, who only signed a new deal with Boca in early April until 2026 before agreeing to move to Miami, will link up with his new team soon. He has not given up playing for the Argentinian side one day, though.

“I have the dream of being able to wear the Boca shirt again at some point and add games in that beautiful stadium,” he said.