Atletico Madrid's Rodrigo de Paul set to join Inter Miami
A source close to negotiations told 'AFP' on Wednesday that Inter Miami has agreed on terms with Argentine international Rodrigo De Paul, a midfielder for Atletico Madrid.
The deal is for the next four seasons with De Paul to play the remainder of 2025 in Miami on loan from Atletico Madrid with a subsequent purchase option for Inter worth more than $12 million.
De Paul could play for Miami for the first time on July 30th against Mexican side Atlas in Inter's debut match in the Leagues Cup, a tournament between MLS and Mexican League clubs.
He will leave Europe after four seasons in Madrid to join countryman Messi 11 months before the World Cup to be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. Messi has not said if he will play in the World Cup.
De Paul and Messi were teammates on Argentina's 2022 World Cup champions and reuniting them could help entice Messi to sign a new contract with Inter, whose deal with the superstar expires at the end of this year.
The club wants Messi to stay for the 2026 season, in which Inter will open a new stadium in Miami. DePaul, 31, joins a Miami core that includes Messi, Uruguayan Luis Suarez and Spaniards Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.