Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine maestro, recently offered a resounding endorsement of Rodrigo De Paul’s highly anticipated debut for Inter Miami, highlighting the midfielder’s immediate impact and seamless integration into the squad. Messi’s words underscore the significance of De Paul’s arrival at Chase Stadium, marking a pivotal moment for the Herons’ ambitions in MLS Soccer.
De Paul’s maiden appearance in the vibrant pink shirt was nothing short of dramatic, contributing significantly to Inter Miami’s hard-fought 2-1 victory in their Leagues Cup opener. The match culminated in a stoppage-time winner, meticulously set up by Messi himself, further cementing the team’s resolve and competitive spirit from the outset of the new campaign.
Following the crucial three points secured by Javier Mascherano’s side, Messi shared his insights with the media, reflecting on De Paul’s seamless transition and exceptional performance despite minimal training. “We’ve known each other for a long time and played many matches together,” Messi stated, emphasizing their deep-rooted camaraderie. He further lauded De Paul, asserting, “He raises the level of the squad. He’s barely trained and still covered so much ground, even in these tough conditions with the heat and humidity.”
The bond between Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi extends far beyond the club arena, forged over years of shared triumphs on the international stage with the Argentina national team. Their partnership proved instrumental in La Albiceleste’s victories at the Copa América in both 2021 and 2024, culminating in the historic 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph, showcasing their profound understanding and synergy as football news unfolded.
Despite their illustrious international history, the two never shared a club jersey until De Paul’s recent loan move to Inter Miami from Atlético Madrid. This strategic acquisition, valued at $17.6 million, was facilitated by Targeted Allocation Money, shrewdly allowing the Herons to incorporate the 31-year-old Argentine without designating him as a Designated Player for the current season, a critical financial maneuver for the club.
The addition of a midfielder of De Paul’s quality instantly elevates Inter Miami’s status, positioning them as formidable contenders for the 2025 Leagues Cup. The Herons have a proven track record in the competition, having clinched the trophy in 2023, and Messi’s leadership aims to guide the team towards yet another championship triumph, bolstering their pursuit of silverware in the upcoming season.
Underscoring the team’s unwavering ambition, Messi affirmed, “We’re always ready to compete.” He reflected on Inter Miami’s strong showing in the Concacaf Champions Cup earlier this year, where they narrowly missed the final, alongside their consistent fight for top spots in the league and a solid performance at the Club World Cup. The integration of “a great player like Rodrigo” further enhances their collective strength and competitive edge across all competitions for Inter Miami.
