Messi Reunites with World Cup Teammate as De Paul Makes Stunning Inter Miami Debut

Lionel Messi wasted no time in greeting his new Inter Miami colleague Rodrigo De Paul at Chase Stadium and welcoming him to MLS on Saturday during the team's fixture against FC Cincinnati. 

Despite being sidelined from the match due to a one-game ban for missing the MLS All-Star Game, Messi enjoyed the proceedings in comfort, drinking maté and sharing laughs in a private box with De Paul. 

Officially registered on Friday as a loan acquisition from Atlético Madrid, De Paul also didn't feature in his first game, though he did step onto the field during a pre-match presentation ceremony where he was formally introduced to supporters for the initial time. 

"I will give my all so that together we can capture more trophies," De Paul addressed the crowd in Spanish before the match began. 

The friendship and happiness displayed between the pair during the broadcast comes as no surprise, with De Paul, 31, becoming part of the star-filled Inter Miami roster as another of Messi's close companions. 

While Messi has spearheaded Argentina's international achievements throughout his career, capturing the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América championships, De Paul has been equally important, functioning as a crucial defensive midfielder to protect Messi's magical performances. 

However, both players will need to wait several more days before taking the field together as Miami teammates for the first time, with De Paul anticipated to make his debut and Messi expected to return in the Herons' Leagues Cup opening match against Liga MX's Atlas on July 30.