Inter Miami Eye Rodrigo De Paul Transfer to Reunite Him with Messi: Report

De Paul Set to Join Inter Miami, Reuniting with Messi in MLS: Report.

Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul is reportedly on the brink of signing with Inter Miami, setting up a high-profile reunion with Lionel Messi, his longtime national teammate and close friend. The move would further cement Miami’s status as the top destination for Argentina’s golden generation.

According to a report by The Athletic, De Paul has agreed to a four-year contract with Inter Miami and is expected to skip Atlético Madrid’s pre-season to finalize the switch. The deal marks a significant shift in the 31-year-old’s career, as he transitions from European competition to Major League Soccer, with an eye on long-term development and a continued partnership with Messi ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Transfer in Final Stages
While Atlético Madrid has placed a €15 million price tag on De Paul—well below his current market value of €25 million—both clubs are reportedly eager to push the deal over the line. The negotiations are said to have accelerated during the FIFA Club World Cup, where discussions between representatives laid the groundwork for the proposed transfer.

Renowned journalists Gastón Edul and Fabrizio Romano also confirmed that Inter Miami has submitted a formal bid, and De Paul is seriously considering the offer.

Boost for Inter Miami’s Midfield
De Paul’s addition would strengthen an already star-studded Inter Miami midfield, which includes Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, both former Barcelona teammates of Messi. The trio’s chemistry and experience are expected to raise the club’s ambitions in the MLS and make it a central hub for Messi’s pre-World Cup preparation.

De Paul and Messi share a celebrated history with the national team, playing key roles in Argentina’s 2021 Copa América victory and their 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar. Their off-field camaraderie and on-field synchronicity have made De Paul one of Messi’s most trusted midfield lieutenants.

Mascherano Reacts to Speculation
Inter Miami head coach and former Argentina captain Javier Mascherano was asked to weigh in on the reports during a media interaction. While careful not to confirm anything, Mascherano praised De Paul’s quality.

“There’s nothing official about De Paul. I’ve also read what’s in the media,” he told Marca.
“He’s a world-class player and a world champion with Argentina. Of course, we admire top-level talent, but as long as he belongs to another club, it’s not my place to comment further.”

If confirmed, the transfer would be yet another major coup for Inter Miami, which continues to build a roster brimming with international pedigree and deep connections to Argentina’s football elite.