Inter Miami exercise permanent transfer for Lionel Messi's countryman

Rodrigo De Paul joined Inter Miami in July 2025 after four years at Atletico Madrid. The loan deal included an option to make the transfer permanent until the 2029 MLS season. Despite playing only half a season, he quickly became an important part of the team, forming a strong midfield partnership with club legend Sergio Busquets.

De Paul also played a key role in Miami’s MLS Cup triumph in 2025, helping the team defeat Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final. During the playoffs, he started all six matches and scored a crucial goal in the 71st minute of the final to give Miami a 2-1 lead. By the end of the season, the 31-year-old midfielder recorded 2 goals and 7 assists in 23 appearances.

After De Paul’s impressive performances, Inter Miami decided to trigger his buyout clause. The fee, previously agreed as part of the loan deal, is around $15 million. The Argentine midfielder will occupy a Designated Player slot alongside Lionel Messi. However, Miami also suffered significant losses, as both Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba decided to retire immediately after the MLS final.

By joining Inter Miami permanently, De Paul is now reunited with Messi, his long-time teammate in the Argentina national team. Together, they won two Copa Americas (2021, 2024) and, of course, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The 31-year-old midfielder even earned the nickname “Messi’s bodyguard” for his constant protection of the superstar during matches.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Inter Miami will face a much tougher schedule as they compete in both the Concacaf Champions Cup and the Leagues Cup. The club is now looking to strengthen their squad, with reported targets including Luis Suárez - Messi’s former Barcelona teammate - and Tadeo Allende. Miami are also exploring loan options, such as goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo and midfielder Baltasar Rodríguez, who both started last weekend versus Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

The 2026 MLS season will run from February 22 to November 8, with the schedule extended by one month due to a midseason pause for the 2026 World Cup in North America.