In a significant move for Major League Soccer, star midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has officially joined Inter Miami, fulfilling a long-held ambition to play alongside his esteemed friend and Argentina national team captain, Lionel Messi, at the club level.
For years, De Paul and Messi have forged an unbreakable bond and formidable partnership on the international stage, culminating in multiple Copa América titles and a historic World Cup victory for Argentina. While these moments were extraordinary, De Paul often yearned for the consistent, day-to-day camaraderie and tactical synergy that only club football can provide.
The possibility of extending this partnership beyond national team duties became a tangible dream for De Paul after Messi’s groundbreaking transfer to Inter Miami. He closely monitored MLS matches and admired the ambitious project being spearheaded in South Florida by Messi himself and club co-owner David Beckham.
It was Beckham who eventually presented De Paul with the compelling offer to join Inter Miami, a proposition the 31-year-old found irresistible. Despite having multiple offers to remain in Europe’s top leagues, De Paul embraced the challenge and intrigue of transitioning to the burgeoning American football landscape, eager to contribute to its expansion.
During his introductory news conference in Fort Lauderdale, De Paul articulated his vision for MLS, emphasizing a desire to elevate the league’s global standing. He expressed a commitment to setting a precedent, encouraging top-tier players to view MLS not as a final career stop, but as a vibrant league offering significant competitive challenges and growth opportunities.
De Paul wasted no time making an impact, debuting for Inter Miami in a recent match against Liga MX club Atlas. Despite having little formal training with his new teammates, he played the full 90 minutes, demonstrating impressive stamina and vocal leadership on the pitch, earning high praise from coach Javier Mascherano.
Mascherano lauded De Paul’s immediate effort and influence, remarking on his ability to perform at such a high level after a period of inactivity. The coach expressed confidence that De Paul’s intensity and quality of play would undoubtedly inspire and elevate the performance of the entire Inter Miami squad.
This strategic move to Inter Miami also carries significant implications for the Argentina national team. By regularly training and competing alongside Messi, De Paul aims to further refine their on-field chemistry, an invaluable asset as they collectively prepare for next summer’s highly anticipated World Cup.
De Paul underscored the paramount importance of the Argentina national team, revealing he consulted manager Lionel Scaloni before making the Inter Miami switch. Scaloni’s reassuring words, emphasizing performance over location, affirmed De Paul’s decision, reinforcing his belief that his dedication and skill on the field remain his ultimate professional currency.
