Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has reportedly agreed to join Inter Miami, reuniting with his close friend Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer, and fans on social media are absolutely buzzing about it.
The 31-year-old De Paul will leave Atlético Madrid where he’s played since 2021 on a short-term contract with Inter Miami that could potentially lead to a multiyear deal. He had one year left on his contract at Atlético Madrid.
De Paul and national team buddy Messi hope to continue to elevate Inter Miami, which has reached historic heights since Messi’s arrival in 2023. The Herons reached the knockout stage of the Club World Cup and have won their past five MLS matches as they eye a second straight Supporters’ Shield.
De Paul’s arrival not only strengthens the midfield for Inter Miami, but also reinforces the club’s strategy of signing top South American players with European experience. Alongside Messi, the team already features stars like Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.
With De Paul’s expected signing, Inter Miami continues to solidify its roster for the final stretch of the season, aiming to become one of the dominant forces in North American football.
The chemistry between Messi and De Paul, already proven on the international stage, now they have the chance to flourish at club level.
De Paul and Messi were teammates on Argentina’s 2022 World Cup champions and reuniting them could help entice Messi to sign a new contract with Inter, whose deal with the superstar expires at the end of this year, and the club wants Messi to stay for the 2026 season, in which Inter will open a new stadium in Miami.
As news of the imminent transfer broke, fans flooded social media with passionate reactions. From excitement to skepticism, the buzz was undeniable. Softfootball has rounded up some of the most striking and entertaining responses just for you below:
Can’t understand why a young guy would go to MLS so soon
— Rôômi🌸 (@iamroomii) July 16, 2025
Another fan shared:
You thought Inter Miami signed de Paul for football? No, they signed Messi’s personal bodyguard. Mission: Protect the GOAT at all costs 😂🐐
— Cool_Ustaaz ☪ (@Cool_Ustaz) July 16, 2025
This fan defended the decision:
De Paul feeding Messi? Miami might just become fútbol’s new capital.
— QuraAI (@quraAiX) July 16, 2025
Another fan stayed optimistic:
De Paul to Miami makes serious tactical sense. Elite ball progression (89% pass completion in advanced areas for Atleti) perfectly suits MLS transitions. Links with Messi already there from Argentina – could see Miami's title odds shift from 5/2 to 6/4 once this lands. $ODDS
— Danny Odds (@OddsDanny) July 16, 2025
Not everyone was impressed, a fan said:
A four-year deal for a 31-year-old in a league that’s more about vibes than elite competition? De Paul’s too good for this feels like a step down just to play with Messi.
— Kryptdou | Create (@kryptdou_) July 16, 2025
But there was also support, like this:
Big move for both Inter Miami and De Paul. Bringing in a player with his experience and quality would definitely raise the level of the squad. Now it’s just about sorting those final contract details — looks like another statement signing for Miami.
— El Moler (@elmoler_) July 16, 2025
A more unexpected perspective came from this user:
Atlético’s laughing to the bank, but this move screams publicity stunt over footballing ambition.
— Kryptdou | Create (@kryptdou_) July 16, 2025
Messi and Inter Miami are coming off a historic season in 2024 in which they finished with the best record in MLS history and the best winning percentage in league history.
In an earlier report, Softfootball reported that Messi was trapped as Inter Miami lost first game since club World Cup exit.
The match is something the Herons fans won’t want to remember as their team fell to their first loss after 3 straight wins since exiting the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Softfootball followed and watched how record making Messi and his team were caged by FC Cincinnati at the TQL Stadium as they fell to a 3-0 loss.
