Inter Miami CF are reportedly in talks to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, a close friend and Argentina teammate of superstar Lionel Messi.

The Athletic reported Thursday that the La Liga side is open to an agreement and that De Paul has been on Miami’s radar “for some time.”

De Paul, 31, and Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup together in Qatar.

Miami could have a decision to make, as Messi, midfielder Sergio Busquets and defender Jordi Alba currently occupy the roster’s three Designated Player spots.

The report suggested Busquets, who turns 37 next week, could be the odd man out and perhaps retire midseason. Alba signed an extension through 2027 in May and Messi is widely expected to do the same, as his current deal runs through 2025-26.

Without a vacant DP opening, The Athletic reported that De Paul would have to arrive on a fee plus salary that totals approximately $850,000 for 2025.

De Paul has been a regular for Atletico since 2021, recording 14 goals and 26 assists in 187 appearances. He played with Udinese (2016-21), Valencia (2014-16) and Racing Club (2012-14) before that.

–Field Level Media