Inter Miami this week announced the signing of veteran goalkeeper Oscar Ustari to act as backup for Drake Callender.
The 38-year-old Argentina joins the Herons in what will be Ustari’s 11th team in his fascinating career, with the goalkeeper playing in the Premier League with Sunderland, with South American giants Boca Juniors and Independiente, and most recently in Mexico with the likes of Pachuca and Atlas.
Most recently playing in Chile with Audax Italiano, Ustari’s career has been an interesting one, with the goalkeeper part of Argentina’s 2006 FIFA World Cup side where one Lionel Messi made his debut in the competition.
And Ustari has now shared how he feels reuniting with Messi after all these years at Inter Miami.
Ustari excited to join Inter Miami and to reunite with Messi
Speaking to Inter Miami’s official website, the 38-year-old goalkeeper shared his excitement on joining the Herons for the remainder of the year, with Ustari also keen to get back to work with Messi once again.
Indeed, Ustari provides important backup for Callender and experience that is hard to match in the goalkeeping position in MLS, and the Argentine is seemingly buzzing to begin this new chapter of his career with Inter Miami.
Ustari said when asked about his feelings on joining Inter Miami: “I’m excited to join a club like Inter Miami and grateful for the opportunity to be part of this great institution that aspires to achieve big things.
“I’m also very happy to reunite with Leo in the locker room and on the field after such a long time. I’m ready to help and contribute my experience to the team at all times, wherever I’m needed, to achieve both collective and personal goals.”
Ustari can play key behind-the-scenes role in MLS Cup push
With Ustari only joining as a backup for Inter Miami, there’s a good chance that the veteran Argentine might not play a single minute for the Herons between now and the end of the season.
Yet the Florida franchise signing such an experienced player suggests that Ustari will has been recruited for more than just quality depth in the goalkeeping position, with the 38-year-old’s experience something that could be vital on the training pitch.
Indeed, morale needs to be high if Inter Miami are to win MLS Cup, and signing a player like Ustari could do just that for the Herons if they can get the most out of the goalkeeper in the coming weeks.