Rodrigo De Paul Set to Join Inter Miami Amid Contract Talks With Messi

Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul is poised to join Inter Miami, according to a person familiar with the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The 31-year-old World Cup winner has agreed to terms on a short-term contract with the Major League Soccer club, potentially paving the way for a longer stay.

De Paul will depart Atlético Madrid, where he has played since 2021, despite having one year remaining on his current contract. The agreement with Inter Miami has been in the works for several weeks, and while the signing has not yet been officially announced, ESPN was first to report the development.

The midfielder’s arrival could be timed with the start of Leagues Cup play later this month, although the exact date of his debut remains uncertain. His addition marks yet another veteran presence on a squad already stacked with former European stars.

De Paul brings a championship pedigree, having played a central role in Argentina’s victories at the 2021 and 2024 Copa América tournaments, as well as their triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His existing chemistry with Lionel Messi — forged on the international stage — is expected to bolster Inter Miami’s midfield dynamics.

The move comes at a critical juncture for the club, which is in ongoing contract extension talks with nine-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi. The superstar’s current deal is set to expire in December, though he is widely expected to return for at least one more season.

Inter Miami’s roster already includes three Designated Players: Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. All three earn salaries above the league maximum. Alba has extended his contract through the 2027 season, but Busquets, whose contract expires at the end of this year, has yet to sign an extension. Should he depart, that could create an opening for De Paul to be elevated to Designated Player status.

Luis Suárez, 38, also remains a key part of the veteran lineup, which helped Miami achieve a record-breaking 2024 season in terms of win percentage and overall performance — though their playoff run ended abruptly.

With De Paul’s potential arrival, Inter Miami continues to build around the core of Argentina’s World Cup-winning team and Barcelona’s golden era. The club’s ambitions remain high, as it aims to convert star power into silverware.