Rodrigo De Paul Reunites With Messi in Miami: Inter’s Blockbuster Move Signals MLS Ambition

Inter Miami Sign Argentina Star Rodrigo De Paul on Loan With Permanent Deal Set for 2026

Inter Miami are at it again. Just when it looked like the Major League Soccer side couldn’t possibly squeeze another superstar into their already glittering squad, they’ve pulled off another headline-grabbing move. This time, it’s Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who joins on loan from Atletico Madrid—with a permanent transfer lined up for 2026.

It’s a massive coup for a club that continues to redefine what’s possible in MLS. With Lionel Messi already leading the charge and the likes of Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez joining the revolution, Inter Miami are assembling something more akin to a World Cup reunion tour than a domestic league team. And now, Rodrigo De Paul—Messi’s longtime teammate and trusted midfield lieutenant—adds more class, grit, and World Cup-winning experience to the fold.

David Beckham: “He Brings Passion, Leadership and Quality”

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham didn’t hide his excitement over the move. The former England captain, who played in MLS with the LA Galaxy and has since become one of the league’s most influential figures off the pitch, said bringing De Paul to Miami had been a long-standing ambition.

“Rodrigo is a player I’ve admired for many years,” Beckham said in a club statement. “As a leader, he has brought so much to the teams he’s played for—especially with his national team, Argentina. He brings experience, passion and quality to our team and to our city. I’m excited to welcome another World Cup-winning player not just to Inter Miami, but to MLS.”

It’s a strong endorsement of De Paul’s character and playing style—and a clear sign that Inter Miami’s project is far from finished.

De Paul Brings European Pedigree and International Flair

Rodrigo De Paul Atletico Madrid 2024-25

Rodrigo De Paul, 31, made a name for himself in Europe through a four-year spell at Udinese in Serie A before securing a move to Atletico Madrid in 2021. Under Diego Simeone, the gritty midfielder fit perfectly into Atleti’s hard-nosed, defensively sound style of play. Over four seasons in the Spanish capital, De Paul racked up 187 appearances, scoring 14 goals and laying on 26 assists. But it was arguably on the international stage where he truly blossomed.

With Argentina, De Paul was instrumental in the country’s 2021 Copa América triumph and the 2022 World Cup win in Qatar. His tireless energy, tactical intelligence, and commitment to Messi’s cause earned him the nickname “Messi’s bodyguard.” He’s not just a midfielder who connects the lines—he’s someone who fights, defends, and inspires those around him.

That’s exactly the kind of presence Inter Miami were looking for as they prepare for the crucial second half of the MLS season.

A Star-Studded Midfield in Miami

New York Red Bulls v Inter Miami CF

De Paul will now slot into a midfield that already features Sergio Busquets, Federico Redondo, and rising U.S. star Benjamin Cremaschi. It’s a lineup that blends youth, experience, and World Cup-winning pedigree—one that could genuinely compete with any team in the Western Hemisphere.

There had been months of speculation that Miami were eyeing one final marquee signing. Names like Neymar and Kevin De Bruyne had floated around, but De Paul seems like a smarter fit—more compatible with Messi’s rhythm and the team’s balance. He adds steel to the midfield and understands what it means to play with and for Messi.

And while the reported $17 million transfer fee isn’t small, it could prove a bargain if De Paul helps deliver silverware over the next 18 months.

Designated Player Dilemma: How Did Miami Pull It Off?

There is, however, some curiosity about how Inter Miami pulled off the move from a financial perspective. The club has already used all three Designated Player (DP) slots—one of the mechanisms MLS clubs use to sign high-earning stars outside the salary cap. While full details haven’t been disclosed, speculation suggests that clever structuring of the loan, plus targeted allocation money (TAM) or possible future DP slot adjustments, may have helped make it work.

MLS rules are notoriously complex, but if anyone knows how to bend them without breaking them, it’s Miami’s front office.

Jorge Mas: “This Move Shows We Mean Business”

Club co-owner Jorge Mas also weighed in on the signing, emphasizing that bringing in De Paul was more than just a footballing decision—it was a statement of intent.

“Assembling a team that inspires our fans to dream continues to be one of our primary aspirations, so we’re thrilled to sign a player of Rodrigo’s caliber,” Mas said. “He is a winner who has conquered the world stage; his ambitions match ours at Inter Miami, and we are hungry to achieve these goals together.”

He added: “Several of the best players in global fútbol have already chosen Inter Miami as their home, and Rodrigo joining our roster is another landmark as we continue on this journey to change the trajectory of the sport in this country and make our fans proud.”

De Paul’s Debut Set for This Weekend

De Paul is expected to be unveiled at Chase Stadium on Saturday when Inter Miami face FC Cincinnati—one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Maxi Falcon will all miss the match. Messi and Alba are suspended due to their absence from the MLS All-Star Game, while Falcon is sidelined for yellow card accumulation.

That means fans may have to wait a little longer to see De Paul and Messi reunited on the pitch, but the hype is already palpable. This is a move that could tilt the balance of power in MLS and set Miami up for a strong postseason push.

Inter Miami’s Superteam Dream Moves One Step Closer

From the moment Lionel Messi set foot in Miami, the club has operated with a different level of ambition. It’s no longer about just competing in MLS—it’s about dominating, attracting the best talent, and turning South Florida into a footballing hub with global pull.

With Rodrigo De Paul now officially in the mix, the Herons have once again raised the bar. Whether or not the move leads to trophies in 2025, one thing is clear: Inter Miami aren’t here to make up the numbers. They’re building a team that belongs on the world stage—and they’re doing it their way.