Is Rodrigo De Paul playing today? Inter Miami host Atlas in 2025 Leagues Cup first round game

This Wednesday night, Inter Miami begin their participation in the 2025 Leagues Cup, the tournament that brings together the top clubs from Major League Soccer and Liga MX. The Herons will debut against Atlas of Mexico, and all eyes are on Rodrigo De Paul.

The Argentine midfielder joined Inter Miami just a few days ago on loan from Atletico Madrid, in a deal running through the end of the 2025 season, with an option to make the move permanent until the end of 2029.

De Paul’s arrival is yet another high-profile signing for Inter Miami in the past two years, making him the third World Cup winner on the roster alongside Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets. That’s why his contribution on the field is expected to be massive, adding another level of quality to the midfield.

Despite all this, his spot in the starting lineup was cast into doubt due to off-field complications. Coach Javier Mascherano addressed De Paul’s availability, explaining Tuesday that bureaucratic issues tied to his work visa had prevented the midfielder from training with his teammates.

Will De Paul play vs Atlas in the Leagues Cup?

After a few hours of uncertainty, on Wednesday Inter Miami provided an update on the Argentine star’s situation. “Rodrigo De Paul is now available for team selection, as El Motorcito has been cleared to start his engines and grace the pitch at Chase Stadium for the first time upon receiving his P-1 Visa and ITC,” the club announced in a statement on their official website.

With the administrative issues resolved, everything was in place for De Paul to make his official debut for the Herons this Wednesday against Atlas in the Leagues Cup. However, final confirmation from head coach Javier Mascherano regarding the starting XI was still pending—something that came just minutes before kickoff.

Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup with De Paul

Rodrigo De Paul joined Inter Miami with the aim of bringing more quality and tactical balance to the midfield, potentially forming an ideal pairing with Sergio Busquets. That setup would also allow wide midfielders Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia more freedom to attack along the flanks.

This Wednesday, head coach Javier Mascherano will have his first opportunity to test that idea on the field. Inter Miami’s confirmed starting lineup to face Atlas is: Rocco Rios Novo; Marcelo Weigandt, Maximiliano Falcon, Gonzalo Lujan, Jordi Alba; Tadeo Allende, Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo De Paul, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez.