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Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has agreed to join Inter Miami from Atlético Madrid on a loan deal designed to become permanent[1][3][5]. The 31-year-old World Cup winner with Argentina will reunite with national teammate Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer, marking the first time the two play together at the club level[2]. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas traveled to Madrid to finalize negotiations for De Paul, who still had a year left on his contract with Atlético Madrid[1].

The deal is structured as a short-term loan, but Miami is expected to trigger a purchase clause worth about $17 million at a later date. De Paul reportedly agreed to a four-year contract extension as part of the terms[2]. Initially, he will not occupy a designated player slot, as those are currently held by Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. Once Busquets’ contract expires, Miami could make De Paul a designated player by activating his purchase clause[1][2].

De Paul leaves Atlético Madrid after 187 appearances, 14 goals, and 26 assists since his arrival in 2021. He played an integral role for both club and country, helping Argentina secure the 2022 World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024[1][2][3]. His move to Miami follows the club’s participation in the Club World Cup, where Inter Miami exited in the round of 16 after finishing second in their group and losing to Paris Saint-Germain[1]. The team returns to MLS play before heading into the Leagues Cup at the end of July[1].

The De Paul signing is part of a broader vision by Inter Miami to enhance both its squad depth and quality, in line with their efforts to surround Messi with trusted former Argentina teammates[2]. Miami’s form has surged, with Messi leading the team to strong results, including a recent 2-1 victory over Nashville SC where Messi scored a brace and was awarded MLS Goal of the Matchday for the fifth time in 2025[6].

Negotiations to extend Messi’s contract past 2025 are ongoing, with both Messi and the club expressing interest in continuing their relationship, while talks with Busquets about an extension have yet to begin[1].

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