Rodrigo De Paul praises Messi’s leadership amid Inter Miami transfer rumors

Rodrigo De Paul has cemented himself as one of the best midfielders on Argentina’s national team in recent years. His mobility on the field and physical strength have made him a standout in that area, turning him into a perfect complement for Lionel Messi on the pitch.

Their camaraderie is evident not only during matches but also off the field, which is why the idea of seeing them together at the same club sparks excitement among fans.

In recent days, rumors have intensified linking “El Motorcito” with a possible move to Inter Miami. Even team coach Javier Mascherano addressed the speculation, saying: “We always like good players.”

De Paul praises Messi’s leadership

De Paul knows Messi well and understands how to read the legendary No. 10: “When you’re that kind of person, you don’t need to talk that much. The rest of us have to speak up because we don’t have the power to change things otherwise. He doesn’t need to — the game bends to his will,” he said in an interview with Simplemente Fútbol.

His honesty about Messi’s leadership is striking, and he gave an example of how the captain sets the tone during training camps: “He leads by example. He’s not the type to police others or raise his voice. But if lunch is at one and you show up at 12:58, he’s already there — and without saying a word, it makes you want to show up at 12:56. Five minutes early, and the entire team is already seated,” he added. “You watch one interview of his, and you know exactly what direction to take. He’s a true leader.”

Beckham’s influence on De Paul

The Atlético Madrid player also shared how David Beckham has inspired him: “As a kid, I really liked Beckham’s vibe. As I grew older, I became interested in fashion, I follow it closely, and it’s part of my life.”

The MLS secondary transfer window for the 2025 season opens on July 24 and closes on August 21. That’s the timeframe Inter Miami would have to try to sign Rodrigo De Paul.