Inter Miami and Messi await Rodrigo De Paul’s telepathic ability

The world’s greatest players are usually surrounded by stellar supporting casts. Lionel Messi has had his fair share of co-stars over the years, including Uruguayan Luis Suarez and Brazilian ace Neymar at Barcelona and PSG, along with Angel Di Maria and Javier Mascherano for Argentina’s national team. Now another Argentine mate will suit up for MLS’s Inter Miami, and he claims to have a telepathic connection with the mighty mite.

Rodrigo De Paul has just signed on the dotted line for the Miami outfit. And he definitely knows a thing or two about the need to protect the magic man Messi. De Paul rode shotgun for the great one in Argentina’s Copa America triumph in 2024 and their weightier World Cup win at Qatar-2022. The two have played together for “The White and Sky Blue” (“La Albiceleste” in Spanish) since 2018, so the 31-year-old De Paul speaks easily of his on-field antics with Messi: “Sometimes we just look at each other and know what’s needed to reorganize the team. It makes the process more fluid,” per SI’s Jamie Spencer.

Much more fluidity is what Miami needs if they’re to make a serious run at the MLS Cup and other hardware in the next year or so — before the 38-year-old Messi’s legs begin to betray him. Current teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets from Spain, as well as Suarez, are all in their late 30s. But as a box-to-box midfielder, the stylish De Paul brings his tough ball-winning ability to Florida just at the right time. In fact, Busquets may be on his way out when his contract finishes at year end.

That would free up one of three coveted “Designated Player” (DP) spots on the Miami roster. Yet the newest Argentine swears that salary isn’t critical. “At one point I told Racing (in Argentina), ‘I just want to play the Copa Libertadores. Don’t pay me.’ I wasn’t looking for money. I just wanted to be in a place where I felt wanted,” De Paul insisted.

He also admitted that a bigger motivating factor than cash for top players can be the trust an organization shows in an athlete. He felt that first-hand when northeastern Italian side Udinese awarded him the precious number 10 shirt worn previously by local legend Antonio Di Natale.

Inter Miami came to terms with De Paul last week. He inked a four-year deal that’s set up as a loan from Atletico Madrid through 2025, with a purchase option, according to the Miami Herald’s Michelle Kaufman. Inter’s managing owner Jorge Mas went to Madrid to wrap up the deal. The buyout or transfer fee was between $12 and $15 million, with the potential for much more after incentives kick in.

After all, it’s clear Rodrigo De Paul won’t be playing only for pride or trust, or the chance to run out next to his Argentine pal Messi, especially with the 2026 World Cup around the corner. Another reason for the powerful midfielder ending up in Miami was his adoration of all things David Beckham. De Paul has already sported similar braids to Beckham, in addition to the bleached blond look, the hairband, and the pulled-back half-ponytail. Like the British master during his late ‘90s Manchester United heyday, Rodrigo’s nickname is “El Motorcito” (“The Little Motor”) due to his phenomenal work rate.

With David in his luxury box, the first telepathic exhibit expected between Messi and De Paul should take place in the Leagues Cup against Mexican club Atlas on July 30, then versus Necaxa on Aug. 2, and Pumas on Aug. 6 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.