You Won’t Believe What This 6’4″ Keeper Eats — Oscar Ustari’s Secret to Saving Goals (and Avocados)
If you’ve tuned in to Inter Miami this season, you’ve probably heard the name Oscar Ustari. Wearing number 19, Ustari anchors the defense with a veteran’s poise and a steady hand. His path from Argentina to Major League Soccer? That’s a story of grit, adaptability, and a little bit of old-school resilience. He’s become a pillar for Miami.
Every time Ustari steps onto the pitch, you can see those quick reflexes and that sharp mind at work. The guy just signed a contract extension, so he’ll be with Inter Miami through 2026. Want to dig deeper into his journey, highlights, and what he brings to Miami’s future? Stick around. For the full rundown, here’s his Inter Miami profile.
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Oscar Ustari’s Role at Inter Miami CF
Ustari brings a cool head and loads of experience to the Miami goal. His move from Argentina to MLS really shows off his ability to adapt in a league that demands a lot.
Arrival and Signing Details
Ustari landed in Miami in 2024, already a seasoned goalkeeper with a résumé that covers Argentina, Europe, and Mexico. Inter Miami announced his signing right after a Supporters’ Shield-winning year. They wanted his leadership and the pedigree he showed at clubs like Independiente and Sunderland.
Miami didn’t waste time shoring up their defense with a guy like Ustari. You can follow the details of his contract extension through 2026. That’s a clear sign the club trusts his leadership and values his mentorship for the younger guys. Ustari himself has pointed to Lionel Messi’s influence as key to settling into Miami’s system, and those two go way back with the Argentina national team.
Jersey Number and Position
You’ll spot Ustari in the number 19 shirt, holding down the goalkeeper spot for Inter Miami. He started out as a backup to Drake Callender, but Ustari’s always stayed locked in and ready to go.
On the training ground at Chase Stadium, Ustari’s command is hard to miss. His place on the roster gives Miami some serious security in goal.
Here’s a quick look at his roster info:
| Name | Club | Jersey No. | Position | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oscar Ustari | Inter Miami CF | 19 | Goalkeeper | 38 |
With Miami’s MLS ambitions growing, having a steady backup like Ustari is just smart roster building.
Transition to Starting Goalkeeper
Ustari moved into the starting role thanks to a mix of opportunity and, well, necessity. When Callender was out with injury or needed a rest, Ustari stepped up. He showed off quick reflexes, strong leadership, and kept Miami’s defense organized. That even earned him a spot in the MLS Team of the Matchday.
He’s made some clutch saves and really taken charge on the field. In those tense moments at Chase Stadium, the team listens to him, and you can see the defense respond. Ustari’s experience gives Miami a calm presence when it matters most, and he’s helping mentor the next wave of keepers coming up.
Performance and Impact in MLS
Since stepping in as Inter Miami’s starting goalkeeper, Ustari’s delivered sharp performances, big saves, and solid leadership. You can see his experience every time he calmly handles pressure or directs traffic from the back.
Key Matches and Clean Sheets
Ustari has a knack for showing up in the big moments. He started 20 of Miami’s first 23 games in 2025 and notched six clean sheets. Those shutouts kept Miami right in the thick of the playoff hunt.
That game at Chicago Fire FC? Ustari’s saves locked down a 1-0 win on the road. He earned a spot in the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 8, and that’s no fluke.
He reads the game well, cutting out scoring chances before they become a problem. Against top Eastern Conference teams, he’s been especially tough.
2025 Key Stats
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 20 |
| Clean Sheets | 6 |
| Team of the Matchday Selections | 1 |
Contribution to Team Goals
Ustari’s impact isn’t just about stopping shots. He’s the first guy to start a counterattack. When he makes a save, he’s quick to launch the ball and get Miami moving.
His footwork and passing? Always on display. He’s comfortable with the ball at his feet, giving Miami more ways to break the press and keep control.
Ustari’s voice keeps the defense organized, shutting down mistakes before they turn into goals. He’s helped Miami give up fewer goals than in years past.
Collaboration with Defensive Line
Ustari stands out for how he works with Miami’s defenders. He’s always talking, adjusting the back line, and keeping everyone alert for through balls and set pieces.
You’ll see defenders respond to his instructions, closing gaps and staying tight during transitions. That teamwork cuts down on dangerous shots and lets Ustari focus on the big saves.
Whether he’s working with veterans or the younger guys, Ustari keeps the defense steady. When injuries or rotations hit, his leadership keeps the defensive unit solid. That’s a big reason Miami’s defense has improved lately. For more on his leadership, check out his Inter Miami CF profile.
Career Journey Before Inter Miami CF
Oscar Ustari built his reputation as a reliable keeper all over South America and Europe. He became known for adapting to different leagues and bouncing back from injuries and tough breaks.
Clubs in Europe and South America
You might remember Ustari from his early days at Club Atlético Independiente in Argentina. He broke through as a teenager, showing off quick reflexes and a calm presence that caught scouts’ attention.
Then he took his talents to Spain, signing with Getafe CF. Ustari turned in some memorable performances in La Liga and the UEFA Cup. Injuries slowed him down, but he kept grinding to stay at a high level.
He also had a stop in England with Sunderland AFC in the Premier League. It was a short spell, but playing in that league added to his experience. After that, he went back to South America, joining Boca Juniors and Newell’s Old Boys. At Boca, he made some key saves during league and continental matches.
Honors and Major Achievements
Ustari picked up some nice honors along the way. As a young player, he helped Argentina’s U20 squad win the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship.
He even got called up to the Argentina senior squad. He didn’t play in the 2006 World Cup, but just making that roster says a lot about his talent.
At club level, Ustari played for trophies in Argentina and competed in European tournaments with Getafe. With Boca Juniors, he helped them reach the Copa Libertadores semifinals—no small feat in South America.
Professional Appearances Overview
Ustari’s record shows he’s been consistent across a bunch of top leagues. Here’s a snapshot of his club career before Miami:
| Club | Years | League Apps | Continental Apps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independiente | 2005–2007 | 63 | 0 |
| Getafe CF | 2007–2012 | 41 | 7 |
| Boca Juniors | 2013–2014 | 7 | 11 |
| Sunderland AFC | 2014 | 2 | 1 |
| Newell’s Old Boys | 2014–2015 | 12 | 2 |
That’s a journey from Argentine prospect to a seasoned keeper with stops in La Liga, the Premier League, and Argentina’s top flight. For the full timeline, check out his Transfermarkt profile.
International Experience with Argentina
Oscar Ustari’s international résumé is pretty impressive. His work at the youth level, Olympic gold, and senior team call-ups all helped build his reputation as a top Argentine keeper.
National Team Caps
Ustari climbed through Argentina’s senior squad during a tough era. He earned his call-ups with strong performances that got coaches’ attention. Ustari featured in friendlies and tournaments, including a roster spot at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
He didn’t see a lot of game action, sitting behind some big names, but coaches praised his attitude and readiness. Argentina’s always had a deep pool of goalkeepers, but Ustari made his mark in the locker room and in training.
Here’s his senior national team stat line:
| Year | Appearances (Caps) | Major Tournaments |
|---|---|---|
| 2006−2012 | 2 | World Cup (2006)* |
*Roster member but did not play in matches
FIFA U-20 World Youth Championship
Ustari’s big international breakthrough came with Argentina’s youth team at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Youth Championship. He started every game, kept his cool, and made clutch saves as Argentina won the title.
He played alongside future stars like Messi. Ustari’s steady play in goal kept Argentina in tight games, giving their attack the platform to shine.
Those performances put him on the map as one of the world’s top young keepers.
2008 Beijing Olympic Games
Ustari played a big part in Argentina’s run at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, where they grabbed the gold medal. He started in the group stage and helped the team advance.
That Olympic squad was loaded, with Messi leading the way. Ustari’s experience and calm stood out on such a big stage. Unfortunately, an injury knocked him out in the knockout round, and Sergio Romero took over. Still, Ustari’s early work helped Argentina reach the final and capture gold.
That Olympic medal? It’s a highlight in his career and a testament to his contributions, even when things didn’t go perfectly.
Relationships and Influence in the Locker Room
Oscar Ustari isn’t just about what he does on the pitch. He changes the vibe at Inter Miami, shaping how players interact and keeping the team focused through his professionalism and tight personal bonds.
Connection with Lionel Messi
You can spot the chemistry between Oscar Ustari and Lionel Messi every day at training, and it’s obvious on matchdays too.
These two go way back to their days in the Argentine national team system. That history built a foundation of respect that everyone in the locker room can see.
Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami? Game-changer for the club, no question. For Ustari, it meant linking up with an old friend.
Ustari says Messi helped him settle in fast, always keeping the lines of communication open and making sure new faces felt welcome. Their friendship brings a sense of stability that the squad leans on.
You can feel how this connection trickles down, especially to the younger players. They see the standards Messi and Ustari set, and it pulls everyone up.
If you want to dig deeper into Ustari’s thoughts on Messi’s impact, check out Reuters.
Mentorship of Teammates
At 38, Ustari brings experience from 11 different clubs. He uses that to lift up goalkeepers like Drake Callender and guide others in the squad.
He spends time talking one-on-one, shares advice at training, and isn’t shy about giving tips for handling big-match pressure.
You’ll see him working closest with the younger and backup keepers. Ustari breaks down technique, watches film with them, and helps with the mental side of the game.
He keeps his door open, so teammates never hesitate to ask for feedback or a quick chat.
Mentorship Stats Table:
| Player | Appearances with Ustari | Notable Improvement Area |
|---|---|---|
| Drake Callender | 18 | Shot-stopping, Decision-Making |
| Young Defenders | 12 | Communication, Organization |
His mentoring builds a supportive atmosphere. That’s huge for a club still finding its identity.
Leadership Qualities
Ustari leads with his voice, his calm, and his willingness to hold guys accountable. He doesn’t need dramatic speeches or shouting.
He just shows up the same way every day, keeps things honest, and gets straight to the point when talking tactics or mentality.
Players talk about Ustari’s presence in huddles and in the locker room after matches—win or lose. He’s usually the first to check in on someone who’s down, always pushing the message of unity.
In tough moments, Ustari’s poise stands out. If Miami concedes late or is hanging onto a thin lead, he’s the guy who keeps everyone focused.
He looks for solutions, pumps up the team, and reminds everyone what’s at stake.
All of that goes way beyond stats. Ustari sets the tone for how Inter Miami faces adversity and celebrates every win as a group.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Óscar Ustari’s experience between the posts has added real stability to Inter Miami CF. With his new contract, he’s sticking around Major League Soccer for at least another year.
Contract Extension and Future at Inter Miami CF
Ustari just signed a contract extension that keeps him in Miami through the 2026 MLS season.
He joined the club during the 2024 campaign and quickly became the backbone of the defense.
At 38, he brings not just skill but veteran leadership. That’s something Miami’s been craving as they look for consistency.
In 2025, he started 20 out of 23 matches and notched six clean sheets. That kind of consistency has helped Miami stay in the hunt every week.
Younger keepers and defenders have a mentor in Ustari, both in the locker room and on the field. He’s become invaluable in every sense.
You can find more about his contract extension on Inter Miami’s official site.
2025 Key Stats for Ustari with Inter Miami CF
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| MLS Starts | 20 |
| Clean Sheets | 6 |
| Contract Duration | Through 2026 MLS Season |
| Age | 38 |
Expectations for Upcoming Seasons
Let’s talk about Ustari—he’s set to anchor Inter Miami’s defensive efforts as the club chases more trophies. They’ve already snagged a Supporters’ Shield, but you know this squad wants more, and Ustari’s experience? That’s going to matter.
There’s real pressure here. Knockout tournaments, the MLS Cup playoffs—these moments demand top-tier performances. Ustari brings a calm presence and leadership, and that’s huge when things get tense.
Now, as he gets closer to 40, you start to wonder: How’s he going to manage his fitness? Can he tweak his game and keep up with the pace?
Fans in Miami have something to look forward to. Ustari’s going to work closely with stars like Lionel Messi. He’ll probably take on more mentoring, maybe even help groom the next Miami goalkeeper.
Want the latest on Ustari? Check out his profile and stats.
