As the 2025 MLS season heads into a critical phase, speculation is intensifying around the future of Inter Miami’s roster—and whether one of Lionel Messi’s most trusted Argentina teammates might soon join him in Florida. Rodrigo De Paul, the dynamic Atletico Madrid midfielder, has reportedly set his sights on a potential reunion with Messi in Major League Soccer. Yet, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has now stepped in to address the growing rumors and clarify the club’s stance.
Inter Miami’s ambitions have grown in tandem with the star power of their squad. With Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets already filling the club’s three Designated Player (DP) slots, the path to signing another high-profile international, like De Paul, is anything but simple.
Although Alba is contracted through 2027, Messi and Busquets both see their deals expire at the end of the current season. While talks are underway to extend Messi’s stay, Busquets’ future is uncertain. Now 36, the former Barcelona legend has struggled with pace and form throughout the season in MLS, the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and the Club World Cup.
A potential retirement from Busquets would free up a DP spot and create a pressing need for a world-class replacement in midfield—enter Rodrigo De Paul, a 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina who is entering the final year of his contract with Atletico Madrid. According to Fabrizio Romano, De Paul is interested in making the jump to MLS, joining Messi in what could be a dream link-up in the twilight of their careers.
What did Mascherano say?
At a recent press conference in Miami, Javier Mascherano addressed the mounting rumors surrounding De Paul’s future and his potential arrival at Inter Miami. “I have also read and heard what has been reported in the media. There is nothing official regarding Rodrigo De Paul,” Mascherano stated bluntly.
He continued with caution, avoiding speculation: “I always say the same thing: we need to be cautious because he’s a player under contract with another club, and I don’t like speaking about players who don’t belong to our team. If something changes in the future, I’ll have no problem talking about it.”
Despite the diplomatic tone, Mascherano didn’t deny the club’s interest. In fact, he acknowledged De Paul’s impressive profile: “He’s a high-quality player, a World Cup champion, he plays for the Argentina national team and has been competing in Europe for a long time. Players like that are the ones we like.”
While the comments stopped short of confirming any negotiations, the admiration is evident, and the situation remains fluid—especially if Busquets retires, paving the way for De Paul to step in as his replacement.
Transfer hurdles: Salary caps and transfer fees
Even if Busquets makes way, salary cap restrictions in MLS pose another significant obstacle. Inter Miami would still need to navigate complex financial regulations to accommodate a player of De Paul’s caliber.
Adding to the challenge is Atletico Madrid’s valuation of De Paul. Despite being 31, the midfielder has a market value of $29 million, making him potentially the most valuable player in MLS, surpassing even Messi and LA Galaxy’s Riqui Puig. Head coach Diego Simeone is reportedly unwilling to let De Paul leave without a substantial transfer fee, complicating matters further for Inter Miami.
