Rodrigo De Paul is heading to South Florida, reuniting with Lionel Messi as he joins Inter Miami.
The Argentine midfielder has finalized contract terms with the club, according to a source familiar with the discussions. De Paul, 31, will depart Atlético Madrid, where he has played since 2021, to embark on a short-term deal with the Major League Soccer team. This arrangement may evolve into a multiyear contract, despite De Paul having one year remaining on his current deal in Spain.
Initial reports of the agreement surfaced from ESPN.
Teaming up with Messi, De Paul aims to further elevate Inter Miami's status, which has soared since Messi's arrival in 2023. The team has advanced to the knockout stage of the Club World Cup and is on a five-match winning streak in MLS, pursuing a second consecutive Supporters' Shield.
While the exact date of De Paul's debut remains unclear, he could don the Inter Miami jersey in time for the upcoming Leagues Cup later this month, as indicated by the anonymous source.
This signing has been in progress for several weeks and coincides with ongoing negotiations regarding Messi's contract extension. The nine-time Ballon d'Or winner's current agreement concludes at the end of December, but he is anticipated to remain with the club for at least another season.
De Paul's addition brings another experienced player into the mix, complementing existing teammates like Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba, all of whom share a strong rapport with Messi. Currently, Messi, Busquets, and Alba are Miami's three Designated Players, each earning salaries exceeding the league maximum. Alba has already secured a contract extension through 2027, while Busquets' future remains uncertain as his contract expires at season's end. Should Busquets not return, it could open a pathway for De Paul to become one of Miami's Designated Players.
Since joining Atlético Madrid from Udinese in 2021, De Paul has been instrumental for the Spanish club. His contributions were pivotal in Argentina's triumph at the 2022 World Cup and their victories in the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
Inter Miami and Messi are coming off a remarkable 2024 season, achieving the best record and winning percentage in MLS history, although they faced an early exit from the playoffs.
