Inter Miami has officially signed Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul from Atlético Madrid on a loan-to-buy deal. De Paul’s arrival adds further star power to a team already boasting Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and others, as Miami aims to make a strong second-half push in MLS.
Inter Miami has officially completed the signing of Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul from Atlético Madrid, bringing the midfielder to South Beach on an initial loan deal, which will turn into a permanent transfer in 2026. The move adds yet another high-profile player to Miami’s ranks, with De Paul joining Lionel Messi and fellow World Cup winner Sergio Busquets as part of the club’s ongoing superstar revolution.
David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, expressed his excitement about the signing, noting De Paul’s leadership qualities and immense experience. “Rodrigo is a player I’ve admired for many years,” Beckham said. “As a leader, he has brought so much to the teams he’s played for, especially with his national team Argentina. He brings experience, passion, and quality to our team and to our city.”
The Transfer Deal
The deal came after Atlético Madrid hinted at the move by posting a farewell message to De Paul on their official social media channels. The 31-year-old midfielder, who joined Atlético from Udinese in 2020, spent four seasons with the Spanish club, making 187 appearances and contributing 14 goals and 26 assists across all competitions. Atlético Madrid bid De Paul farewell with well wishes for his future, acknowledging his significant role during his time in Madrid.
For Inter Miami, De Paul’s arrival solidifies their midfield and further raises the bar in terms of star power. He will join the likes of U.S. international Benjamin Cremaschi, Busquets, and young Argentine Federico Redondo, further strengthening a midfield that already boasts top-tier talent.
What De Paul Brings to the Table
Widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in La Liga, De Paul’s reputation as a tough, aggressive playmaker has earned him the nickname “Messi’s bodyguard” on the international stage, reflecting his combative, hard-working style for Argentina. His ability to control the tempo of a match and break up opposition attacks will be crucial for Miami as they look to mount a serious challenge in the second half of the season.
The transfer was not without its complexities, as reports suggest the move cost Inter Miami around $17 million, a significant fee for a club already utilizing all of its Designated Player slots. This raises questions about how the club has navigated MLS’s salary cap regulations, but with a global superstar like Messi already in the fold, Miami seems willing to push the limits to bring in world-class talent.
Ambition and the Future
Jorge Mas, co-owner of Inter Miami, emphasized that De Paul’s arrival is a signal of the club’s long-term ambitions. “Assembling a team that inspires our fans to dream continues to be one of our primary aspirations,” Mas said. “Rodrigo joining our roster is another landmark as we continue on this journey to change the trajectory of the sport in this country and make our fans proud.”
With Messi, Busquets, and now De Paul, Inter Miami’s ambitions for the future are clear—bringing a new level of football to the U.S. while attracting top-tier talent to the MLS.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
Inter Miami’s next match is against FC Cincinnati, where De Paul is expected to be unveiled. However, the club will be without Messi, Jordi Alba, and Maxi Falcon for the match, as all three have received suspensions for their roles in the All-Star Game controversy, with Messi and Alba facing sanctions for their absence.
As De Paul prepares to join his new teammates, Inter Miami’s expectations will only continue to grow. The addition of such a high-caliber player further cements the club’s intent to challenge for major titles in the MLS and beyond.
