Messi is obviously the force behind Inter Miami targeting Rodrigo De Paul | OneFootball

It’s becoming increasingly clear: Lionel Messi wants to build a team around the people he trusts most.

First came Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. Now, he’s eyeing another close friend, Rodrigo De Paul, as first reported by Spanish journalists Marcos Benito and Marcos Duran. The Atlético Madrid midfielder, who featured in the recent Club World Cup, is on Inter Miami’s radar as they look to bolster their squad.

Club World Cup run shows promise but more is needed

Inter Miami’s performance in the Club World Cup surprised many. Despite lacking the reinforcements requested by head coach Javier Mascherano, the team advanced from the group stage, drawing against both Al Ahly and Palmeiras before defeating Portuguese giants Porto in the round of 16.

Their run ended at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, Messi’s former club and reigning European champions, a team considered a favorite to win the tournament.

Back in MLS, Miami returned to the league by thrashing CF Montréal 4-1, with Messi getting on the scoresheet. The victory keeps their Supporters' Shield hopes alive, narrowing the gap to 10 points behind FC Cincinnati, and Mascherano’s side still has four games in hand.

Messi pushes for reinforcements. De Paul the ideal fit

But it's been obvious at times this season that Miami still need reinforcements if they want to compete at the highest level. Who better than Rodrigo De Paul, Messi's midfield partner from Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad?

De Paul, 31, currently plays for Atlético Madrid. His performances have dipped in recent seasons. While still a key figure for the Argentine national team, his domestic form has been inconsistent. Atlético manager Diego Simeone wants to keep him, but the club has already brought two midfielder reinforcements: Álex Baena and Johnny Cardoso. With De Paul's contract set to expire in June 2026, Atlético is looking to sell now to avoid losing him on a free transfer. Their asking price is reportedly around $17.5 million.

Behind the scenes: negotiations already underway

As the Miami Herald reported, Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas has already traveled to Madrid and begun talks with Atlético executive Miguel Ángel Gil.

Jorge Mas recently told AS: “We want to be the best team in the hemisphere that includes South not just Concacaf” The relationship between the two clubs could facilitate a deal, but there’s a catch.

To accommodate De Paul under MLS roster rules, Inter Miami would have to free up one of their three Designated Player slots currently occupied by Messi, Alba, and Busquets. Messi and Busquets’ contracts expire in December. Alba recently signed an extension through 2027. While Messi is in talks to renew, with both sides eager to continue, Busquets, now 36, has yet to begin discussions about his future.

A balancing act between loyalty and ambition

superstarsSigning Rodrigo De Paul would be a major move in Inter Miami’s quest for silverware. But it may come at a price. MLS regulations don’t make it easy to bring more super stars. The club will need to weigh whether they can afford to part ways with any of their iconic veterans to make room for an only slightly younger veteran. And there's always the risk De Paul will perform at the uninspiring level he's shown recently in Spain -- or worse -- rather than how he has played with Messi and the Albiceleste.