Rodrigo De Paul linked with Inter Miami amid Messi contract negotiations
The summer transfer windows are open in Europe, which means rumors are flying. One of the latest reports picking up steam this weekend is of particular interest to Inter Miami fans.
Atletico Madrid central midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, one of Messi’s closest friends on Argentina’s national team, has been contacted by Inter Miami owners about a possible transfer, according to reports from Spanish journalists Marcos Benito and Marcos Duran. An Inter Miami source confirmed that club managing owner Jorge Mas is in Madrid this weekend.
De Paul, 31, has been a key player for Atletico for the past five years, and before that played in Italy for Udinese. He is a high-energy box-to-box midfielder who can defend and cover a lot of ground.
Messi has the same type of on-field connectivity with De Paul as he does with Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. De Paul also takes on the role of midfield bodyguard for Messi when the two are on the field together.
Suarez, 38, and Busquets, who turns 37 later this month, have not yet renewed their contracts, which expire at the end of this season. If Busquets decides to retire or sign elsewhere, that would leave a high-profile midfield opening that De Paul could fill.
Atletico is said to be asking for a $17 million transfer fee to let De Paul go, though the club’s Argentine coach Diego Simeone prefers he stay, according to the reports. He is under contract through 2026.
Messi, whose contract with Miami expires at the end of 2025, is in negotiations with the club to extend his deal through at least the 2026 season, which is when the new Miami Freedom Park stadium is scheduled to open. Messi’s deal with Inter Miami includes equity in the team upon his retirement.
Contract talks between Messi and Inter Miami have been going on for months and an announcement is expected soon, according to multiple sources.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has repeatedly said he asked the club for reinforcements to bolster the roster, though he did not mention any names. Surely, Messi would also like to add quality players to the team as it chases the MLS Cup and is set to debut in its new home next season.
Stay tuned.
This story was originally published July 6, 2025 at 10:04 AM.