As Inter Miami prepares to unveil yet another high-profile signing, speculation is mounting over what it could mean for the club’s most valuable asset. Rodrigo De Paul is set to join Miami in a move that has stunned the soccer world, not only for its sporting implications but also for what it may reveal about Lionel Messi’s future at the club and in Major League Soccer.
The Argentine midfielder is finalizing a $17.4 million transfer from Atletico Madrid, where he was a key figure under Diego Simeone. With a four-year contract reportedly already agreed, De Paul’s arrival is imminent and expected to coincide with the opening of the MLS secondary transfer window on July 24. But amid all the excitement, one major question looms: What does this mean for Messi’s contract talks with the club?
According to TyC Sports and Fabrizio Romano, De Paul will become the most expensive signing in Inter Miami’s history and among the top three costliest in MLS history.
Still only 31, De Paul was a regular starter at Atletico Madrid, contributing 3 goals and 10 assists across 53 appearances in the 2024-25 season. Yet, with his contract set to expire and the La Liga side undergoing a summer rebuild, he has opted for a new challenge, one that brings him closer to his Argentina teammates and Lionel Messi in particular.
“The decision to leave Europe appears to be motivated by both personal and sporting reasons,” wrote TyC Sports, “particularly his desire to play alongside Messi, his close friend and national team partner.”
The partnership that could shape Messi’s future
Often dubbed “Messi’s bodyguard”, De Paul is more than just a midfield engine. He’s part of Messi’s inner circle—a confidant who has played a pivotal role in Argentina’s international success, including the 2022 World Cup. For Inter Miami, acquiring De Paul isn’t just about bolstering the squad—it’s also a strategic move to secure Messi’s long-term commitment.
As The Athletic noted, “One of the main factors in Lionel Messi’s decision to renew his contract with Inter Miami has been the environment the club can build around him.”
That environment now includes Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and soon Rodrigo De Paul—players with whom Messi shares deep professional and personal connections. It’s no coincidence that negotiations between the Herons and Messi’s camp are progressing positively, with a one-year extension likely on the horizon.
Roster implications: Shift in the DP landscape?
Yet the deal poses one tricky challenge: MLS’ Designated Player (DP) rules. With Messi, Alba, and Busquets already occupying the three DP slots, De Paul’s arrival suggests that a major shake-up is coming.
While Alba is under contract until 2027, both Busquets and Messi’s current deals expire at the end of this season. The former’s status is especially uncertain—he turns 37 this month and has struggled to keep up in the high-paced MLS and continental competitions. Sources indicate that retirement is a real possibility for Busquets, which would free up a DP slot and allow De Paul to be registered without breaching salary cap rules.
If that happens, De Paul may be Busquets’ natural replacement, not only in role but in roster status.
