Argentina Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul Joins Inter Miami From Atletico Madrid

‎Inter Miami has finalized the signing of midfielder Rodrigo De Paul from Atlético Madrid, the Spanish club announced on Friday.

The 31-year-old will join his Argentina international teammate and close friend, Lionel Messi, who is currently out of contract at the end of the 2025-26 season, but is in ongoing renewal negotiations with the club.

‎The Argentine world champion is thus joining Leo Messi at the Herons, one year before the World Cup in the United States.

‎“Rodrigo de Paul is leaving Atletico Madrid and will continue his professional career at Inter Miami,” an Atlético statement read.

‎The official contract and transfer details were not disclosed at the time of the announcement. As a high-profile and well-paid player, De Paul’s arrival raises questions about Sergio Busquets’ long-term future in Miami, given MLS’s restrictions on the number of high-cost signings a team can have.

‎According to Fabrizio Romano, Atlético de Madrid should receive 15 million euros for their midfielder.

‎Atlético Madrid is loaning De Paul to Inter Miami on a free loan. As part of the deal, De Paul must agree to defer or waive some of his salary from Atlético.

‎Miami will cover as much of his salary as possible to ensure he qualifies as a “max TAM” player, meaning his total salary cap hit cannot exceed $1,743,750 annually.

‎With approximately 43 percent of 2025 remaining, this would limit DePaul’s maximum salary for the rest of the year to around $750,000.

‎Inter Miami has the option to purchase DePaul in January for a transfer fee. Once acquired, DePaul would then qualify as a designated player.

‎This would mean one of Miami’s current designated players, Messi, Jordi Alba, or Busquets, would need to vacate a spot or leave the team entirely.

‎Among them, Busquets is considered the most likely to depart, as Alba signed a contract extension earlier this year, and Messi is still in negotiations for his own extension.

‎Wearing the Colchoneros’ colors, Rodrigo de Paul played 187 matches, scoring 14 goals and providing 26 assists.