For over a decade and a half, Lionel Messi endured heartbreak with the Argentina national team, chasing glory that seemed just out of reach. But since the triumphant 2021 Copa América, Messi has rewritten his legacy, leading Argentina to four major titles with a squad perfectly tailored to his brilliance. At the heart of this transformation is Rodrigo De Paul, the dynamic midfielder whose seamless chemistry with Messi has made him a cornerstone of Argentina’s success—and now a prime target for Inter Miami.
At 31, De Paul has become far more than just a key player for Argentina. As one of Messi’s closest confidants, he’s witnessed firsthand the qualities that make the football icon a “super leader.” In a candid interview with Simplemente Futbol, De Paul peeled back the curtain on Messi’s leadership, revealing how the forward commands respect without uttering a word.
“When you’re someone like Messi or Maradona, you don’t need to say much,” De Paul explained. “The game bends to his will. He leads by example, and that’s enough.” This leadership, De Paul noted, manifests in the smallest details. “If lunch is scheduled for 1 p.m., Messi’s there by 12:58. Without saying a word, he sets the standard. Before you know it, the whole team’s seated five minutes early, just because he’s already there.”
De Paul emphasized that Messi’s influence extends far beyond the pitch. “It’s everything—the way he trains, the way he communicates, the way he handles the press,” he said. “When Messi speaks in an interview, he’s subtly guiding us, showing the team the direction we need to take.” This quiet professionalism, paired with his unmatched talent, has solidified Messi’s role as the heartbeat of Argentina’s golden era.
De Paul’s connection with Messi goes beyond the field—it’s personal. Reflecting on their relationship, he shared how their friendship blossomed naturally. When Lionel Scaloni took over as Argentina’s head coach in 2018, Messi briefly stepped away from the national team. Upon his return in March 2019, De Paul found himself gravitating toward the legend. “In our first training session, we started jogging side by side,” he recalled with a smile. “Then, on the bus, I sat in my usual spot—turns out, it was Messi’s seat. Same thing happened on the plane. I was like, ‘Oh no, not again!’ That broke the ice.”
What began as chance encounters has grown into a deep friendship. “Now he’s my friend—we talk almost every day,” De Paul said. “I adore him. He’s an incredible person. I’ve seen him make gestures—small, meaningful acts for teammates or others—that go unnoticed but leave a lasting impact.”
As De Paul’s star continues to rise, rumors of a potential move to Inter Miami are heating up. The 31-year-old Atletico Madrid midfielder could soon join forces with Messi in the MLS, a move that would reunite Argentina’s dynamic duo on the club stage. According to reporter Fabrizio Romano, speaking on DAZN, “It’s very advanced between the clubs, and there’s an 85% chance we’ll see Rodrigo De Paul at Inter Miami with Leo Messi.”
Such a transfer would be a game-changer for Inter Miami, especially as Messi’s contract nears its expiration on December 31, 2025. Pairing De Paul with Messi could signal the forward’s intent to extend his stay with the club, ensuring their partnership—honed over years with Argentina—continues to dazzle fans in Miami.
De Paul’s versatility, work rate, and ability to complement Messi’s genius make him an ideal target for Inter Miami. His role in Argentina’s recent triumphs—four titles, including the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup—shows his knack for elevating those around him. On the pitch, he’s a tireless midfielder who creates space for Messi to work his magic. Off the pitch, he’s a trusted ally who understands the demands of playing alongside a legend.
As Inter Miami dreams of building a dynasty around Messi, De Paul’s potential arrival could be the spark that takes the club to new heights. With their shared history and unbreakable bond, the prospect of seeing these two maestros unite in the MLS is enough to send football fans into a frenzy. For now