Rodrigo de Paul, the Argentine midfield dynamo and self-proclaimed “Messi’s bodyguard,” has officially joined Inter Miami, ending weeks of speculation and delivering another marquee name to Major League Soccer.
At 31, De Paul brings his relentless energy, World Cup-winning pedigree, and unmistakable chemistry with Lionel Messi to a squad already brimming with stardust. With a transfer fee of €15 million paid to Atlético Madrid, this isn’t just a splash — it’s a cannonball into the MLS transfer pool.
🤝 The Messi Reunion: From Qatar to Florida
Fans fondly remember Rodrigo de Paul as Messi’s midfield guardian angel during Argentina’s victorious 2022 World Cup run. Now, that bond is rekindled under Florida’s sun.
But De Paul isn’t alone. He joins a glittering Inter Miami cast that includes:
- Lionel Messi
- Luis Suárez
- Sergio Busquets
- Jordi Alba
- And a burgeoning contingent of Argentine talents, turning Inter Miami into a “Mini-La Albiceleste”.
With this dream reunion, MLS isn’t just collecting names — it’s building nostalgia-driven chemistry with real on-pitch consequences.
🧠 What Rodrigo de Paul Brings to Inter Miami
De Paul isn’t your typical flashy signing. He’s:
- A box-to-box enforcer with finesse and fire
- A tireless presser and tempo-setter
- A creative distributor, often the unsung link between defense and attack
At Atlético, he tallied 14 goals and 26 assists in 187 games, all while anchoring Diego Simeone’s rugged system. That’s no small feat — and in MLS, where midfields often lack steel, De Paul could feast.
Inter Miami owner David Beckham wasn’t shy:
“He’s a natural leader, a world champion, and a player we’ve pursued for a long time.”
🎯 What This Means for MLS & 188BET Bettors
With De Paul’s arrival, Inter Miami’s title odds on 188BET have already tightened. Here’s a snapshot:
- Before the signing: Inter Miami @ 4.50 to win the MLS Cup
- After the signing: Dropped to 3.20, second only to LAFC
Bettors should also watch for props around:
- De Paul assists per game
- Man of the Match odds (especially in Messi-less matches)
- Inter Miami midfield possession metrics — a stat expected to jump
The chemistry with Messi isn’t theoretical — it’s proven. And 188BET knows sharp bettors are watching.
🎉 The Welcome Party: Glitter, Glory, and… Tini?
Rodrigo de Paul’s arrival at DRV PNK Stadium was more Hollywood than football. He walked in with his children to thunderous applause, received his iconic #7 shirt, and was even joined by his popstar partner Tini Stoessel, who performed onstage with Coldplay’s “A Sky Full of Stars.”
Yes, really.
Forget just football — Inter Miami has become the coachella of world-class retirements.
❓FAQ: Rodrigo de Paul & Inter Miami
After four solid seasons and no major titles, De Paul sought a new challenge. Inter Miami offered both a familiar face in Messi and a leadership role in a growing league.
He’s been handed the #7 jersey, a number often reserved for influential midfielders.
The reported transfer fee was €15 million, a significant investment by MLS standards.
While he has joined officially, paperwork for his international transfer is pending. His debut date is yet to be confirmed.
Absolutely. He’s expected to be a cornerstone in Miami’s midfield, especially in high-stakes matches.
Inter Miami’s MLS Cup odds improved post-signing. Bettors should monitor De Paul-related props and live odds as he integrates into the squad.
🔚 Conclusion: Inter Miami Is No Longer Just Messi’s Show
With Rodrigo de Paul in the mix, Inter Miami becomes more balanced — not just about flair, but fight. He adds structure to Messi’s magic, steel to Busquets’ silk, and a warrior’s mindset that could drag them over the MLS Cup finish line.
💬 Are you backing Inter Miami this season? Drop your predictions — or better yet, place them with 188BET.
