Inter Miami Receives Clear Answer on Rodrigo De Paul Transfer as Atletico Madrid's Position Emerges

Rodrigo De Paul appears to be moving closer to joining Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, as the MLS team and Atlético Madrid are reportedly making headway in transfer discussions.

The World Cup champion De Paul has played a crucial role in Argentina's national squad during their successful period and has been a consistent performer for Diego Simeone's Atlético since his move from Udinese in 2021.

Nevertheless, the Argentine midfielder has shown hesitation in signing a new deal with the Spanish club, leading Atlético to consider his departure this summer. Reports from ESPN suggest that Simeone is against losing De Paul due to his significance to the team.

The versatile midfielder could certainly secure a position with a top European club, but Lionel Messi's MLS side Inter Miami has reportedly approached De Paul. Fabrizio Romano now indicates that the 31-year-old has accepted Miami's offer.

Romano further states that negotiations between both clubs have advanced, making it increasingly likely that De Paul will compete in American soccer, just one year before the World Cup takes place in North America.

Nevertheless, Miami must clear one of their Designated Player positions to accommodate De Paul, as Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba currently fill these roles. While Alba has secured his future with the club through 2027, both Messi and Busquets face contract expiration this year. Despite speculation about Messi potentially moving to Al Ahli, Miami remains optimistic about their star player's contract renewal. De Paul's potential arrival might persuade Messi to remain, possibly at the expense of Busquets' departure.

The Atlético Madrid player has earned recognition as Messi's unofficial on-field "protector", with De Paul consistently ready to shield and support the legendary player during their appearances together for the Argentine national team.