Rodrigo de Paul has been dubbed "El Motorsit" or even Lionel Messi’s "Bodyguard." He is now officially part of Inter Miami, joining his fellow Argentine superstar.
The 31-year-old midfielder’s transfer was announced by Inter Miami on Friday, marking a reunion for the duo after their success together with the Argentine national team, which won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. De Paul arrives on loan from Atletico Madrid, extending until the end of the 2025 season, with the option for a permanent move through the 2029 MLS season. During his time at Atletico, he made 187 appearances, contributing 14 goals but did not claim any major trophies.
Known for his aggressive play, De Paul is expected to replicate his tough style with Inter Miami, especially in defense. Along with their World Cup win, he and Messi also secured two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
De Paul expressed his motivation to join Miami, emphasizing his drive to compete and achieve titles, hoping to create a legacy for the club. The addition of De Paul raises questions regarding Miami’s roster, as each MLS team can only have three designated players who are compensated outside the salary cap. Currently, De Paul is reportedly earning over $12 million at Atletico, and his loan agreement for this season indicates he’ll earn $1.5 million, transitioning to $12 million annually starting in 2026.
Earlier this summer, the MLS Players Association released payroll details revealing that Messi leads the league with an annual salary of $20 million, surpassing the total salaries of 21 teams, while Alba is making $6 million. Although Messi and Alba haven’t played yet, Inter Miami’s next match is scheduled for Saturday against FC Cincinnati, a game Messi and Alba will miss due to penalties for not participating in the recent MLS All-Star Game.
Fan Take: De Paul’s move to Inter Miami not only strengthens the team’s roster alongside Messi but also amplifies the excitement around MLS, signifying a growing trend of high-profile players in American soccer. This shift could inspire younger athletes and enhance the league’s competitiveness on a global scale.
