Sports Desk:

Another close companion of Lionel Messi is heading to South Florida, as Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has reached an agreement to join Inter Miami, according to a source familiar with the deal who spoke to The Associated Press.

De Paul, 31, is set to leave Spanish club Atlético Madrid—where he has played since 2021—for Major League Soccer, signing a short-term contract with Inter Miami. The deal could evolve into a multiyear agreement. He had one year remaining on his contract with Atlético. The move was first reported by ESPN.

De Paul, a key figure in Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad in 2022, will reunite with his national team captain Messi, aiming to further bolster an Inter Miami side that has risen to prominence since Messi’s arrival in 2023. The club has made significant strides, including reaching the knockout stage of the Club World Cup and winning five straight MLS matches as they pursue a second consecutive Supporters’ Shield.

While the exact date of De Paul’s arrival is yet to be confirmed, he could debut during the upcoming Leagues Cup later this month. The signing comes as Inter Miami continues negotiations to extend Messi’s contract, which expires at the end of December. Messi is widely expected to remain with the club for at least another season.

De Paul joins a growing group of seasoned players already familiar with Messi’s style, including Sergio Busquets (37), Luis Suárez (38), and Jordi Alba (36). Alba has extended his contract through 2027, while Busquets’ deal ends this season and has not yet been renewed. If Busquets departs, it could open up a Designated Player spot for De Paul, allowing him to earn above the league’s maximum salary cap.

Since moving to Atlético Madrid from Italian side Udinese, De Paul has played a pivotal role for the Spanish team. Alongside Messi, he has also helped Argentina win the Copa América titles in both 2021 and 2024.

Messi and Inter Miami are coming off a record-breaking 2024 season in which the club achieved the best regular season record and win percentage in MLS history, though they exited early from the playoffs.