Inter Miami has made a surprising and impactful addition to its squad: Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who reunites with Lionel Messi on the field. Arriving on loan from Atletico Madrid, De Paul is set to significantly strengthen the midfield alongside Sergio Busquets, a move that immediately positions Inter Miami as a top contender for the MLS Cup this year. With Messi already leading the league`s MVP race with an impressive 18 goals and seven assists, the integration of another prime-aged, talented midfielder further elevates their championship aspirations.
De Paul`s presence will complement a midfield that currently features Busquets and Telasaco Segovia, while Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez, and Messi will continue to drive the attack to new heights. Executing this deal required intricate financial maneuvers, yet the team`s roster technically complies with MLS regulations. Miami`s willingness to test the boundaries of roster construction is also beneficial for the league, as it demonstrates the significant challenges that existing constraints can pose when clubs aim to acquire elite international talent.
How Inter Miami Registered De Paul
Given that Miami had already utilized all three `Designated Player` slots (occupied by Messi, Busquets, and Jordi Alba), and De Paul`s salary exceeded the threshold for a Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) player, registering him posed a unique challenge. To circumvent this, De Paul joined the club on a loan agreement as a TAM player, with an embedded purchase option reported to be around $17 million for next season, at which point he would transition to a Designated Player status. This option is crucial; an obligation to buy would have necessitated his immediate classification as a Designated Player. However, the optionality allows for a different designation this season compared to the next. Future flexibility, such as a potential retirement or salary adjustment for Alba or Busquets at the season`s conclusion, could facilitate his permanent acquisition.
While the Herons likely have an unofficial understanding to activate the purchase option in the upcoming season, their current roster structure remains technically compliant. To finalize De Paul`s registration, a strategic trade was executed with Atlanta United. Inter Miami sent $225,000 in General Allocation Money and Leonardo Alphonso to Atlanta in exchange for an international roster slot for the remainder of the season. This ensured De Paul`s timely inclusion in the squad for the Leagues Cup kickoff, mirroring Messi`s impactful arrival before the Herons secured their first club trophy by winning the tournament in 2023. Expectations are similarly high this year, as Inter Miami begins their Leagues Cup campaign against Atlas on Wednesday, a match where De Paul is anticipated to make his debut.
A True Game-Changer on the Field
The acquisition of De Paul represents a highly significant coup for Inter Miami. His arrival, in part, signals that Federico Redondo may not have provided the expected dynamism alongside Busquets in midfield. However, bringing in a player who has consistently partnered Messi for Argentina for years offers an undeniable upgrade. Unlike many high-caliber players who join MLS past their prime—such as Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, or Andrea Pirlo—De Paul is only 31 years old. Despite accumulating considerable minutes throughout his career, he is still expected to make a substantial impact in MLS.
De Paul`s dynamic presence will afford Busquets the ability to operate in deeper positions, providing enhanced protection for the defense. Miami`s recent defensive record shows just one clean sheet in their last six matches; despite winning four of these, dropping points while chasing FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew, and Philadelphia Union could adversely affect their playoff seeding. De Paul is not merely a defensive midfielder; he possesses the ability to link play effectively and unleash powerful long-range shots, as demonstrated by his consistent record of at least eight goals and assists in league play for Atleti over the past three seasons. While top European clubs would undoubtedly covet De Paul, it was Inter Miami who successfully secured his services, largely due to the allure of playing alongside Lionel Messi.
Match Details
- Date: Wednesday, July 30 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Chase Stadium – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Live Stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: Inter Miami -239; Draw +375; Atlas +550
