The future of Rodrigo De Paul seems to be taking shape. What began as a rumor is now on the verge of becoming reality: the Argentine midfielder is set to leave Atlético Madrid and join the ambitious project at Inter Miami, where his close friend and national teammate Lionel Messi awaits.

According to reports from Argentine media, the 31-year-old midfielder will sign a four-year contract with the MLS club. This will be the first time he shares a club locker room with Messi, a partnership that has already brought success with Argentina’s national team, including the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Inter Miami Adds Another Star to Their Ambitious Project

De Paul's arrival not only strengthens the midfield for the Herons, but also reinforces the club’s strategy of signing top South American players with European experience. Alongside Messi, the team already features stars like Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.

Although De Paul had a contract with Atlético Madrid until June 2025, he will not participate in preseason activities with Diego Simeone's squad, as he is eager to relocate to the U.S. as soon as possible. While his release clause was set at €15 million, a lower fee has reportedly been negotiated to facilitate the move.

Since joining the Spanish side in 2021, De Paul has played 187 matches and scored 14 goals. Before that, he made a strong impression in Serie A with Udinese, scoring 34 goals in 184 appearances, and also had a brief stint at Valencia.

Mascherano Stays Quiet, but Praises the Midfielder

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano was asked in a press conference about the potential transfer and remained cautious: “I don’t like talking about players who still belong to another club,” he said. However, he didn’t hide his admiration: “He’s a world-class player, a World Cup champion, and we’re always interested in top-quality footballers.”

Mascherano also addressed Messi’s fitness and whether he will feature in the upcoming match against Nashville: “We’re evaluating things with him day by day. It’s not just about Leo, but about managing all the senior players properly.”

With De Paul's expected signing, Inter Miami continues to solidify its roster for the final stretch of the season, aiming to become one of the dominant forces in North American soccer. The chemistry between Messi and De Paul, already proven on the international stage, now has the chance to flourish at club level.