wHen Intermiami announced the signing of Rodrigo de Paul’s loan from Atritico Madrid on July 25, 2025. At 31, the Argentina World Cup winner is away from one of his best seasons (3 goals, 10 assists in 53 appearances), and was essential to Diego Simeone’s system.
Simeone openly opposed the transfer, viewing De Paul as the “midfield engine” that just helped Julin Lvarez settle down with Atltico. However, with De Paul’s contract expired in 2026, Atritico faced loss of him due to loans and acquisition contracts that shocked the world.
The InterMiami acquisition required a creative turn of MLS’s strict pay rules. Using designated player (DP) slots occupied by Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba-Whose contracts, we configured De Paul’s transfers as a 2025 loan in a permanent move that was not guaranteed in 2026.
In Argentina, de Paul’s decision sparked immediate criticism. Media questioned whether they were “considering leaving football” a year before their 2026 World Cup defense in North America. Critics argued that the lower intensity of MLS could erode his sharpness and endanger his role in Lionel Scaroni’s team.
The timing was particularly jarring given Argentina’s recent 78th cap and his reputation as Messi’s “bodyguard” who he acquired through his relentless midfield cover in his 2022 World Cup victory.
For De Paul, the move focused on Legacy and reunion. He cited Intermiami and his desire to “write history,” and joined the project and “became great.” His close bond with him, pivotal, with over 62 international games and four trophies thrust into him. As David Beckham stated, “Rodrigo brings experience, passion, quality… I admired him for years.”
Redefine MLS ambitions
Intermiami’s vision under Jorge Mas is clear: “establish a championship culture” by signing stars at Peak, not just veterans chasing their final pay. De Paul fits into a 36-year-old slice that rivals this spirit, but there are plenty of risks. To comply with roster rules, Miami traded young striker Leo Afonso for Atlanta United, reducing the depth of the attack. Meanwhile, De Paul’s delayed visa and ITC documents removed him from his first League Cup roster, delaying his debut until August.
De Paul’s transfers demonstrate the evolving appeal of MLS. Once a retired league, it now invites elite players with Prime through cultural pull and creative fundraising. As Mas boasted, “We are changing the trajectory of soccer in this country.” For De Paul, Calculus combines opportunity and risk. Cement the legacy next to the league next to Messi, but could potentially sacrifice his position in the most prestigious tournaments of football.
