Bombshell: Rodrigo De Paul will play for Lionel Messi's Inter Miami

Rodrigo De Paul will be a new addition for Inter Miami and will once again share a team with Lionel Messi, one of his closest friends both on and off the field. According to journalist Gastón Edul, the "Motorcito" will sign a contract until 2029 and his decision is based on both personal and professional reasons.

The midfielder will travel to the United States in the coming hours to finalize his move and, as Edul detailed, "he won't even do preseason with Atlético de Madrid." Although the final figures of the transfer have not been disclosed, the Spanish club was seeking between 10 and 15 million euros and the financial agreement with the American side had already been finalized weeks ago.

De Paul's arrival represents a significant reinforcement for the team managed by Javier Mascherano, which is looking to consolidate after an inconsistent start to the season. His presence will bring experience and character to the midfield, as well as strengthen his football partnership with Messi, which is also key for the Argentina national team.

Meanwhile, for Colchonero, De Paul's departure fits into the squad's renewal plan. In that same context, the club officially announced in recent hours the signing of Thiago Almada, another world champion, who is emerging as one of the new engines of Diego Simeone's team.

De Paul's numbers

The player, who established himself as a key piece for the Argentina national team under Lionel Scaloni, had joined Colchonero in July 2021, where he played 187 matches and scored 14 goals.

Before his time in Madrid, he scored 34 goals in 184 appearances with Udinese and had a brief stint at Valencia, where he scored 2 goals in 44 appearances.