He was deeply involved — De Paul credits Messi for Inter Miami move

Rodrigo De Paul moved from Atlético Madrid to Inter Miami and described the reunion as a dream fulfilled.

The Argentine midfielder joined the MLS club on a short-term loan through 2025, with an option for a permanent deal.

“Obviously, it was a joy [once it became a reality.] Messi had the greatness to get deeply involved in the negotiations, especially about a place where he wanted to know if it was on good terms,” De Paul said in an exclusive interview.

“He was very attentive. When it was done, there was a call. As soon as I arrived, Messi came to the club the next morning to meet me, to see what I needed, and how I was. A friendship. It was a super gratifying moment.”

De Paul explained that the prospect of playing alongside Messi, his Argentina teammate, was a key factor in his decision to join Inter Miami.

“Whenever I spoke with Leo, we had the dream of playing together, bringing what we had achieved with the Argentina national team to a club. Well, it was a dream that later took shape. They knew I had one year left on my contract with Atlético Madrid, and Jorge Mas then traveled to Madrid,” he concluded.

The newest signing made his debut for Inter Miami on Wednesday night in the team's inaugural 2025 Leagues Cup game against Atlas, winning 2-1 with a last-minute goal from Marcelo Weigandt.