According to reports, Rodrigo De Paul will join Inter Miami on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid in a surprise deal that will further change the Major League Soccer (MLS) landscape. Miami will become the home of South American football elite once again when the Argentine midfield maestro, who was an integral member of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning team, teams up with fellow countryman Lionel Messi in South Florida.
An Important Partnership Between Inter Miami and MLS
Ever before Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba joined the team, Inter Miami’s goals have been evident. Another smart and eye-catching purchase is the possible recruitment of Rodrigo De Paul, who is renowned for his aggressive yet graceful midfield presence.
De Paul brings:
Championship experience with Atlético Madrid and Argentina
Tactical intelligence honed under Diego Simeone
Physicality and creativity, ideal for MLS tempo
Chemistry with Messi, which was evident during the World Cup and Copa América
For Inter Miami, this isn’t just a footballing decision — it’s a statement of intent.
Argentina Reunited: Messi and De Paul Together Again
Over the past five years, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul have had one of the most renowned collaborations in international sport. De Paul has earned the nickname “Messi’s bodyguard” due to his unwavering work ethic, protection of the greatest of all time both on and off the field, and fluid midfield moves that have allowed Messi to thrive.
Their reunion in Miami is expected to:
Bring out the best in Messi
Reinforce the midfield with bite and vision
Boost team morale with a proven, tight-knit duo
Deepen Inter Miami’s identity as an Argentine-influenced football hub
Tactical Fit: Why De Paul Suits Inter Miami
De Paul is versatile — capable of playing:
As a box-to-box midfielder
In a deeper playmaking role
Or even out wide when needed
He might play with Busquets in Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s style, giving Messi more freedom to move about in attacking zones. Miami’s current lineup, which occasionally lacks verticality in midfield transitions, can benefit from his high energy, relentless pressing, and precise passing.
MLS Impact and League Growth
Bringing De Paul to MLS underscores how far the league has come in attracting world-class talent. No longer a retirement home, MLS is now seen as:
A viable option for players still in their prime
A competitive market with global reach
A cultural hub for Latin American and European stars alike
With De Paul, MLS gains another globally recognized name, which boosts attendance, media rights, and international visibility.
Atleti’s Perspective: Loan with Strategic Value
For Atlético Madrid, the decision to loan out De Paul likely stems from:
A need to reduce wage bills
Midfield congestion with new arrivals
Interest in rotating squad dynamics ahead of a La Liga title push
While De Paul remains a valuable player, this loan spell gives him consistent minutes in a developing league while maintaining his transfer value.
What Comes Next?
De Paul is anticipated to reach Miami later this month, subject to visa and medical clearance. He is probably going to make his debut in early August, maybe in a Leagues Cup or important MLS match. For Argentine internationals hoping to keep up their shape and fitness on North American territory, playing in the United States may provide more visibility and comfort as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
Final Thoughts
Rodrigo De Paul might be the last piece that takes Inter Miami’s historic ambition to the next level of Major League Soccer. De Paul’s loan to Miami will be one of the most followed storylines of the 2025 season, whether it is because of his relationship with Messi, his perseverance in the midfield, or his star power.
Expect his formal unveiling and what seems to be another exciting phase in MLS’s growth.