Inter Miami have officially completed the high-profile acquisition of Argentina international midfielder Rodrigo De Paul from Atlético Madrid on a loan-to-buy deal, marking one of the club’s most ambitious moves yet. The 30-year-old joins the Major League Soccer side as they aim to bolster their squad for a deep playoff run in the second half of the 2025 season, reuniting him with close friend and national team captain Lionel Messi.
De Paul arrives in South Florida after a three-year stint with Atlético Madrid, where he was a key figure in Diego Simeone’s midfield. Known for his tenacity, creativity, and tactical intelligence, De Paul has built a reputation as one of Argentina’s most consistent performers over the last five years. His transfer to Inter Miami not only strengthens the team technically but adds significant experience to the club’s push for silverware in 2025.
Reuniting With Messi
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this transfer is De Paul’s reunion with Lionel Messi. The two players have been virtually inseparable within the Argentina national team setup, both on and off the pitch. Their close friendship was well-documented during Argentina’s Copa America 2021 and World Cup 2022 triumphs, where De Paul played a crucial role as Messi’s midfield enforcer and link-up partner.
Inter Miami fans will be eager to see that same chemistry brought to DRV PNK Stadium. Messi has already had a transformative effect on the club since his arrival in 2023, helping turn Inter Miami into a competitive force. Adding De Paul—one of his most trusted teammates—sends a strong message: the Herons are all-in on winning now.
Tactical Boost for Martino
Head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino will have plenty to smile about. De Paul fits seamlessly into his system, offering both defensive cover and offensive thrust from midfield. Whether Martino lines up in a 4-3-3 or a 3-5-2, De Paul’s versatility will be a key asset. He can operate as a central midfielder, an advanced playmaker, or even a wide midfielder in tighter tactical settings.
With Sergio Busquets anchoring the midfield and Messi roaming in attack, De Paul is expected to fill the dynamic, box-to-box role, providing energy, pressing, and distribution between the lines. His ability to dictate tempo and link up play will relieve pressure off Messi while also creating more space for Inter Miami’s other attacking threats, including Luis Suárez and Leonardo Campana.
Loan-to-Buy Terms
The deal is structured as a loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the 2025 MLS season, pending performance targets. According to sources close to the negotiations, Inter Miami will pay a loan fee in the region of $3 million, with a permanent transfer clause worth approximately $12 million. The financial structure gives Inter Miami both short-term flexibility and long-term control, particularly useful in managing the league’s salary cap and designated player rules.
De Paul will be registered as a Designated Player (DP), taking up the third and final DP slot alongside Messi and Suárez. His contract reportedly includes options through the 2028 season.
A Statement Signing
This move underscores Inter Miami’s transformation from expansion franchise to serious MLS powerhouse. Signing a player of De Paul’s caliber—still in his prime and a regular starter for the world champions—is a significant coup not just for the club, but for the league as a whole.
While other big names have made their way to MLS in the twilight of their careers, De Paul arrives with plenty left in the tank. At 30, he is still a driving force for the national team and has just come off another strong campaign in La Liga. His commitment to the Miami project, influenced heavily by Messi’s presence, reflects the growing allure of the club on the international stage.
Eyes on the MLS Cup
Inter Miami currently sit in the top three of the Eastern Conference standings, but their form has dipped recently due to injuries and fixture congestion. The addition of De Paul is expected to rejuvenate the side heading into the season’s most important stretch.
The Herons will also be competing in the Leagues Cup and looking to go far in the MLS playoffs. With Messi, Suárez, Busquets, and now De Paul, the club has a core of elite-level winners who know how to navigate pressure and deliver results on the biggest stages.
For fans, the message is clear: Inter Miami aren’t just building a team—they’re building a dynasty.
Rodrigo De Paul is expected to make his debut in early August, pending visa and registration clearance, and could be in line to feature alongside Messi as early as next week’s cruci
al showdown with rivals Orlando City.
