Report: De Paul joining Messi, Inter Miami on loan from Atletico
Lionel Messi is getting another bodyguard.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul is joining Inter Miami on an initial loan with a view toward making the move permanent, sources told Lizzy Becherano of ESPN.
The move will unite World Cup winner De Paul with his international teammate Messi. The 31-year-old midfielder is often dubbed Messi's on-field protector when the two suit up for Argentina.
De Paul will join Miami on loan for the remainder of 2025. He'll reportedly make the switch permanent by signing a four-year contract in 2026.
The purchase clause will be worth $17 million plus add-ons, sources told Tom Bogert and Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport. That would make De Paul one of the most expensive incoming transfers in MLS history.
Miami doesn't have an open Designated Player (DP) spot on its roster. Those three slots are occupied by Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. Miami will use the loan as a workaround, and then make De Paul a DP when his deal is made permanent in 2026.
Busquets' contract expires at the end of the year, which would open up a slot. Messi's deal is also slated to run out at the same time, but he's expected to sign a contract extension with the club.
De Paul would provide a significant boost for a Miami side looking to gear up for a deep playoff run this year. The combative midfielder, who won the World Cup in 2022 and Copa America in both 2021 and 2024 playing alongside Messi, has 78 caps for Argentina.
He's made 187 appearances for Atletico since joining the Spanish club from Udinese in 2021.