Because the 2025 MLS season heads right into a essential section, hypothesis is intensifying round the way forward for Inter Miami’s roster—and whether or not one in every of Lionel Messi’s most trusted Argentina teammates may quickly be a part of him in Florida. Rodrigo De Paul, the dynamic Atletico Madrid midfielder, has reportedly set his sights on a possible reunion with Messi in Main League Soccer. But, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has now stepped in to deal with the rising rumors and make clear the membership’s stance.
Inter Miami’s ambitions have grown in tandem with the star energy of their squad. With Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets already filling the membership’s three Designated Participant (DP) slots, the trail to signing one other high-profile worldwide, like De Paul, is something however easy.
Though Alba is contracted by 2027, Messi and Busquets each see their offers expire on the finish of the present season. Whereas talks are underway to increase Messi’s keep, Busquets’ future is unsure. Now 36, the previous Barcelona legend has struggled with tempo and type all through the season in MLS, the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and the Membership World Cup.
A possible retirement from Busquets would liberate a DP spot and create a urgent want for a world-class substitute in midfield—enter Rodrigo De Paul, a 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina who’s coming into the ultimate 12 months of his contract with Atletico Madrid. Based on Fabrizio Romano, De Paul is taken with making the bounce to MLS, becoming a member of Messi in what might be a dream link-up within the twilight of their careers.
What did Mascherano say?
At a current press convention in Miami, Javier Mascherano addressed the mounting rumors surrounding De Paul’s future and his potential arrival at Inter Miami. “I’ve additionally learn and heard what has been reported within the media. There may be nothing official relating to Rodrigo De Paul,” Mascherano said bluntly.
He continued with warning, avoiding hypothesis: “I at all times say the identical factor: we must be cautious as a result of he’s a participant below contract with one other membership, and I don’t like talking about gamers who don’t belong to our crew. If one thing adjustments sooner or later, I’ll haven’t any drawback speaking about it.”
Regardless of the diplomatic tone, Mascherano didn’t deny the membership’s curiosity. In actual fact, he acknowledged De Paul’s spectacular profile: “He’s a high-quality participant, a World Cup champion, he performs for the Argentina nationwide crew and has been competing in Europe for a very long time. Gamers like which are those we like.”
Whereas the feedback stopped in need of confirming any negotiations, the admiration is obvious, and the state of affairs stays fluid—particularly if Busquets retires, paving the way in which for De Paul to step in as his substitute.
Switch hurdles: Wage caps and switch charges
Even when Busquets makes approach, wage cap restrictions in MLS pose one other important impediment. Inter Miami would nonetheless must navigate advanced monetary rules to accommodate a participant of De Paul’s caliber.
Including to the problem is Atletico Madrid’s valuation of De Paul. Regardless of being 31, the midfielder has a market worth of $29 million, making him doubtlessly essentially the most priceless participant in MLS, surpassing even Messi and LA Galaxy’s Riqui Puig. Head coach Diego Simeone is reportedly unwilling to let De Paul depart with out a substantial switch payment, complicating issues additional for Inter Miami.
