Inter Miami Sets Sights on Lionel Messi as Their Ultimate Prize
Inter Miami have allegedly initiated conversations with Atlético Madrid concerning a potential transfer for their Argentine central midfielder Rodrigo de Paul.
The tenacious World Cup champion has dedicated the last four years steadily making his mark in Spain's capital city, drawing attention with his tireless work rate without possession that masks a refined technical ability when on the ball. Beyond his achievements under Diego Simeone's guidance, De Paul has become an essential player during Lionel Scaloni's successful tenure with Argentina's national team.
As a regular starter for the squad that secured three straight international championships—two Copa América victories surrounding the 2022 World Cup triumph—De Paul developed a close relationship with Messi both professionally and personally.
These two close companions might reunite in Miami during the upcoming summer transfer window. Fabrizio Romano reports that the controversial MLS club have "initiated discussions" regarding a potential signing and consider De Paul their "primary objective" for a summer transfer period spanning from July 24 to August 21.
Romano indicates that De Paul is "receptive" to making the move, though no agreement has been finalized for the 31-year-old whose current contract expires in June 2026.
De Paul has been transparent about his respect for Messi, though he disputes his reputation as the diminutive superstar's alleged protector. "[Messi] is the one who looks after me; he would approach [and] say 'come here,' 'position yourself like this,' it's actually reversed," he previously shared with Olé. "I stay close because I adore him... we communicate frequently. He constantly shows me kindness. [I] attended his ceremony and he asked me 'So, how are you doing, are your legs feeling better? Friend, I'm doing well now.' Nothing extraordinary, it's amazing.
"I enjoy being around him, we have great times with all the children, but listen, we have a wonderful group. We, with the content that becomes popular, act somewhat silly. We support each other; we share laughs. We maintain a close circle discussing things we witnessed during the World Cup."
Earlier this year, De Paul shared with reporters: "He [Messi] makes you perceive him as ordinary, but when you emerge from the tunnel and notice opponents turning just to glimpse him, it swells your heart with pride."
Inter Miami are actively seeking "another marquee signing" while contract extension talks with Messi remain ongoing. The team that was thoroughly outclassed by Paris Saint-Germain during the Club World Cup elimination rounds allegedly conducted meetings with representatives of Luka Modrić, Kevin De Bruyne and Neymar Jr. this summer regarding possible acquisitions, though each pursuit ultimately stalled.
Unlike the previously mentioned players, De Paul provides a degree of controlled physicality that is desperately missing from Inter Miami's existing midfield composition, which currently represents a chaotic mixture of inexperienced youngsters and declining veterans.
Whether Miami possesses the required financial resources to secure De Paul's services remains uncertain, but his potential arrival would undoubtedly receive Messi's endorsement.