Mike Blake-Reuters via Imagn Images

Argentina Coach Scaloni Reacts Strongly to Rodrigo De Paul’s Inter Miami Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 12:53 PM ET

Rodrigo De Paul will join Inter Miami on a six-month loan, with the club obligated to purchase him after the loan period ends. This move brings a top-tier player to help address one of Miami’s key weaknesses: the defensive side of their midfield. However, transferring to MLS just a year before the World Cup might not be seen favorably by the Argentina national team coaching staff—a concern that manager Lionel Scaloni has reportedly dismissed.

Inter Miami is entering the most crucial part of its season. The team is advancing to the knockout stages of its current competition and is set to begin its League Cup campaign at the end of the month. De Paul could make his debut in that tournament.

With several key players from top national teams making transfers just a year before the World Cup, no one’s spot is guaranteed. De Paul’s move to MLS could be closely watched as Argentina prepares for 2026. According to Inter Miami and MLS insider Gastón Edu, Scaloni has no issue with the move.

Inter Miami are expected to get Rodrigo de Paul deal done and sealed in the upcoming days.

Initial agreement in place for 10 days with Atlético as final details are still being clarified with all parties involved. ⏳ pic.twitter.com/1O9kG3782j
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 21, 2025

De Paul Remains a Key Player for Argentina—But for How Long?

At the moment, De Paul is a regular starter for Argentina’s national team, forming a midfield trio with Leandro Paredes (formerly of PSG and Roma) and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández. All three share similar characteristics: strong forward passing and defensive intensity.

However, that could change ahead of the World Cup. Real Madrid recently signed Franco Mastantuono, an aggressive young midfielder seen as a potential future starter. While Enzo Fernández, at just 23 years old, seems secure in his role, both Paredes and De Paul may find their positions under threat. Though both were key players in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, the national team has since developed multiple young players pushing for starting spots.

Argentina’s depth was on display recently when the team thrashed Brazil 4-0 without Lionel Messi. Goals from Julián Álvarez, Giuliano Simeone, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister showed the strength of the current squad. And with talents like Paulo Dybala and Lautaro Martínez absent from that match, competition remains fierce.

For now, De Paul remains a starter—but that could change if his performances decline. Still, he is expected to be part of Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad, even if his starting role is no longer guaranteed.