Lionel Messi's Inter Miami reportedly considering move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul

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Messi and De Paul are friends from their time at Argentina and the reported move comes as Miami are trying to extend their star

WHAT HAPPENED?

With Lionel Messi's future still uncertain, it appears as if his club is taking proactive steps to make an extended stay in Miami potentially more appealing. Inter Miami are reportedly interested in making a transfer offer for Atletico Madrid's Rodrigo De Paul - a close friend of Messi.

Atletico recently listed the box-to-box midfielder with a $17 million price tag, which in part may be due to the reported transfer of USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso. The Miami Herald is reporting the Herons have confirmed team owner Jorge Mas is currently in Madrid.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

De Paul would be a substantial addition for Inter Miami as he's been one of the best midfielders in global football and is still in his prime at 31. Yet, this move would come with a challenges.

Miami have complained about restrictive transfer rules in their pursuit of Neymar and Kevin De Bruyne. Unless there is a creative way to get De Paul on the roster, the team's current roster situation is prohibitive. Also, as seen with both Neymar and De Bruyne, there could be competition from around the world with clubs who have fewer roster restrictions than in MLS. The report mentions Atleti manager Diego Simeone is keen on having De Paul stay through his contract, which ends in 2026.

Then there's roster fit. Inter Miami have several weaknesses, but central midfield is arguably their strongest position group, and they are stacked at that spot with Sergio Busquets and Benjamin Cremaschi. There isn't a natural fit for the midfielder, which could mean Cremaschi or someone else will have to play out of position.

Yet, the report indicates De Paul could be effectively a long-term replacement for Busquets, whose contract expires this season, along with Luis Suarez's deal.

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DID YOU KNOW?

De Paul and Messi won the 2022 World Cup together in Qatar as members of Argentina. De Paul was also a member of La Liga's 2024-25 Team of the Year - highlighting how potent he could potentially be in MLS.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MIAMI?

Inter Miami, coming off a resounding victory over Montreal, quickly have another game on the schedule with a Wednesday clash against the New England Revolution.