One Year Ago Today: Inter Miami CF’s First Signings

By Inter Miami CF

July 26^th, 2020

One year ago, Inter Miami reached another milestone in its journey to bring fútbol back to South Florida as the Club made the historic announcement of its first two signings. Argentine youth internationals, forward Julián Carranza and midfielder Matías Pellegrini, who at the time were both just 19, became the foundation for Inter Miami’s roster ahead of its inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) season in 2020.

Born in Magdalena, Argentina, Pellegrini signed for Inter Miami as a Young Designated Player from Argentine first division side Estudiantes de La Plata. The left-footed midfielder, who can play both centrally and on the wing, joined the Estudiantes academy at the age of 11 and escalated through the youth ranks before making his debut for the senior side in 2018. Overall, he racked up 27 appearances across all competitions, including two matches in the prestigious Copa Libertadores international South American club competition, tallying six goals and one assist before taking on his first challenge playing abroad upon joining the Club.

“When the signing was made official I was very happy,” said Pellegrini about his historic transfer to Inter Miami. “I was lucky to be the first one to join the team. The project, everything they put together, was what convinced me and motivated me to come here. Then when I came I found everything that they had described; the facilities, the coaching staff, the players, it was impressive.”

One Year Ago Today: Inter Miami CF’s First Signings

Meanwhile, Carranza is a striker who was making strides with Argentine top flight team Club Atlético Banfield prior to becoming an Inter Miami player. The Oncativo, Argentina, native moved to Buenos Aires at the age of 13 to join Banfield’s academy before going on to make his debut for the senior side in 2017. Carranza made 48 appearances in all competitions for Banfield, including gaining valuable experience by playing one time in the Copa Sudamericana and three times in the Copa Libertadores; in total, he scored 11 goals and dished out two assists.

“When I found out the move was confirmed, I was very excited, very happy. I shared the moment with my family, my friends, all of those people close to me. It was a very satisfying moment,” described Carranza. “Playing abroad was something I always wanted. The possibility emerged and I took it.”

To date, in Inter Miami’s first five MLS games, Pellegrini has played a starring role; starting four matches, enjoying 307 minutes on the pitch wearing the Club’s colors and registering two assists. Carranza, who was sidelined for Inter Miami’s first two league matches due to an injury to his left foot, has made three appearances, starting once, playing a total of 129 minutes and recording two shots while being a constant threat in attack.

With the resumption of the 2020 MLS regular season on the horizon, Inter Miami’s first two signings will seek to continue leaving their mark on the pitch throughout the team’s inaugural season as the Club continues writing its own history.

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