From being Boca's captain to being left out of Miguel Ángel Russo's plans: Marcos Rojo's present has changed radically in this second half of 2025. Once the Club World Cup ends, the management led by Juan Román Riquelme will try to arrange a proper exit for the 35-year-old defender, for whom they're already seeking a new destination.
The decision divided opinions among the fans. While some believed his cycle was over, others expressed their discontent, including Sergio Agüero.
Kun, who spent years and tournaments with Rojo in the Argentina National Team, didn't hide his discomfort with how his situation was solved. "Before the Club World Cup, he was the best center-back and the one who had played the most matches. He was holding up well and it was a surprise that he didn't play," he said, referring to his absence against Benfica and Bayern Munich.
Rojo y Agüero compartieron cancha en la Selección
Despite Ayrton Costa's injury, Rojo won't be a starter against Auckland City either: Marco Pellegrino, a recent signing, will take his place. Beyond the injuries that have affected him recently, his departure was also marked by some acts of indiscipline and decisions that caused discomfort within the coaching staff.
"It's unpleasant knowing him. He's a joker, a real laugh, and always willing. It feels wrong to treat a European player like that," Agüero defended him on ESPN, visibly uncomfortable with the outcome.
He also denied any conflict between Rojo and Russo: "There was a lot of talk on social media and it seems they're trying to say he fought, that he's a bad teammate, and all that. They make up nonsense and cause discomfort among the fans."
Agüero desmiente una pelea entre Rojo y Russo
The gesture that triggered Russo's decision
The last straw was the Saturday after the defeat against Bayern. Rojo showed up for training, spoke with Russo, and claimed muscle discomfort, so he decided not to train with the group and went straight to the gym. The gesture was not well received by the coaching staff members, who highlighted the commitment of other injured players like Cavani and Herrera, who were training alongside the rest.
Las acciones de Rojo cayeron mal en el cuerpo técnico xeneize
That same day, during the match, he also didn't appear very active during the warm-up. He barely moved with the ball and then sat down for no apparent reason. Although he returned to normal training on Sunday, everything indicates that his cycle at Boca is over.
