Lionel Messi’s close friend will soon be joining him in South Florida. Argentine midfielder Rodrigo de Paul has reportedly agreed to terms with Inter Miami, as confirmed by a person familiar with the situation speaking to the Associated Press.
De Paul, 31, is expected to leave Atletico Madrid after four years, with plans for a short-term, multi-year deal with Inter Miami, although he has a year left on his Atletico Madrid contract. ESPN was the first to report this news.
With De Paul alongside Messi, the duo aims to further elevate Inter Miami, which has reached new heights since Messi’s arrival in 2023. He could potentially don the Inter Miami jersey in time for the League Cup competition later this month, though his specific start date remains unclear.
This agreement comes after ongoing negotiations focused on Messi’s contract extension with Inter Miami. Messi’s current deal wraps up at the end of December, and there’s anticipation that he may stay with the team where he has played for the last two years.
De Pol’s arrival adds more seasoned players to a roster that already includes veterans like 37-year-old Sergio Busquets and 38-year-old Luis Suárez. Since joining Atletico Madrid from Udinese in 2021, he has proven crucial to the team, and played a key role in Argentina’s victories in the 2022 World Cup and Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
In the 2024 season, Messi and Inter Miami set remarkable records in Major League Soccer, achieving the best overall performance in league history, though they were eliminated early from the MLS playoffs. The team is once again in contention for the MLS Supporters Shield.
Report by Associated Press.
For soccer fans, this news is significant as it not only strengthens Inter Miami’s roster but also signifies a shift toward a more competitive MLS, raising the league’s profile globally. The increasing presence of top-tier international players could lead to a renaissance for soccer in the U.S.
