Atlanta United announced today it has signed defender Fernando Meza via transfer from Club Tijuana using Targeted Allocation Money. He will occupy an international roster slot and be added to Atlanta’s roster pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.

“Fernando is an athletic, ball-playing center back who immediately strengthens our defense,” Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. “He brings more than a decade of top-flight experience in Argentina, Chile and Mexico and will be a veteran presence for our backline.”

Meza, 29, joins Atlanta United with 12 years of professional experience in Argentina, Chile and Mexico. He most recently played for Necaxa in 2019 where he made 39 appearances across all competitions.

The center back is a native of San Martín, Argentina and started his career in San Lorenzo’s youth academy. He was signed to the senior team in 2008 and made his professional debut against Boca Juniors on March 11. Meza played seven years with San Lorenzo while spending time on-loan with Olimpo and Chilean Club San Marcos.

Meza transferred to Palestino of Chile in 2015 where he made 23 appearances in league play. He then moved to Necaxa in July 2016 where he made 13 appearances across the Apertura and Clausura campaigns and scored one goal. Meza returned to Chile to play for Colo-Colo in January 2017 where he made 22 appearances in all competitions and won the Primera División and the Supercopa de Chile. The Argentine again returned to Necaxa in January 2019.

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Fernando Meza

Position: Defender

Birthdate: March 21, 1990 (age: 29)

Birthplace: San Martín, Argentina

Height: 5-9

Previous club: Club Tijuana

Nationality: Argentina

Transaction: Atlanta United signs Fernando Meza using TAM on Jan. 10, 2020

2020 Atlanta United roster (as of Jan. 10, 2020)

Goalkeepers (3): Brad Guzan, Alec Kann, Brendan Moore

Defenders (9): George Bello, George Campbell, Franco Escobar, Jon Gallagher*, Brooks Lennon, Fernando Meza, Patrick Nielsen**, Miles Robinson, Anton Walkes

Midfielders (8): Mo Adams, Ezequiel Barco, Andrew Carleton, Luiz Fernando, Julian Gressel, Emerson Hyndman, Jeff Larentowicz, Eric Remedi

Forwards (4): Lagos Kunga, Josef Martinez, Pity Martinez, Tito Villalba

* - on loan with Aberdeen

** - unsigned SuperDraft pick