'Is he thinking about leaving the national team?' – Rodrigo De Paul’s move to Inter Miami less than a year before the World Cup sparks criticism within Argentina media

The Argentine midfielder arrives at The Herons at 31 after spending four seasons with Atlético de Madrid.

De Paul’s Bold Leap to Inter Miami: A Gamble Ahead of the 2026 World Cup?

In a surprising twist that’s stirring debates across the soccer world, Rodrigo De Paul has traded the intensity of European football for the vibrant shores of MLS with Miami. This move, uniting him with longtime ally Lionel Messi, comes at a pivotal time as preparations for the 2026 ramp up, raising questions about team commitments and competitive edge.

  • Featured in 187 games for the La Liga club
  • Notched 14 strikes
  • Arrives on a temporary deal until year’s close

'Is he thinking about leaving the national team?' - Rodrigo De Paul's move to Inter Miami less than a year before the World Cup sparks criticism within Argentina media'Is he thinking about leaving the national team?' - Rodrigo De Paul's move to Inter Miami less than a year before the World Cup sparks criticism within Argentina media'Is he thinking about leaving the national team?' - Rodrigo De Paul's move to Inter Miami less than a year before the World Cup sparks criticism within Argentina media'Is he thinking about leaving the national team?' - Rodrigo De Paul's move to Inter Miami less than a year before the World Cup sparks criticism within Argentina media'Is he thinking about leaving the national team?' - Rodrigo De Paul's move to Inter Miami less than a year before the World Cup sparks criticism within Argentina media

Rodrigo De Paul’s Inter Miami Shift Sparks Backlash in Argentina

The transfer of Rodrigo De Paul to Inter Miami is creating waves far beyond the MLS landscape. As a vital contributor to ‘s victory in the 2022 World Cup, the midfielder has secured a loan from Atlético de Madrid to join The Herons, drawing sharp disapproval back home with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.

Media Outcry and National Team Concerns

Journalist Alejandro Fabbri from TyC Sports questioned, “Is De Paul opting for a relaxed environment in a less competitive league just to have fun with Messi? Does he disregard the lack of renown in this setup, where results hold little weight? Could this signal an exit from the Argentina squad, or is he simply seeking relief after the rigorous regime of Diego Simeone?”

An article from Diario Olé highlighted the astonishment: “The shift from Atlético Madrid to Inter Miami, viewed as a step down in league quality, caught everyone off guard, especially as he reunites with compatriot Lionel Messi.”

Fan Reactions and Atlético Madrid Legacy

Supporters of Atlético Madrid expressed their dismay over De Paul’s exit. Over four years, he appeared in 187 fixtures and earned a spot in La Liga’s Best XI for the previous campaign. When the club announced the transfer online, reactions poured in with harsh comments such as “Good riddance, stay away,” and “Leave and forget about returning,” reflecting the frustration among the fanbase.

De Paul’s Vision for Success at Inter Miami

In his announcement via the club, De Paul shared, “What draws me to Inter Miami is the drive to battle for victories, secure trophies, and shape this team’s legacy. It’s an emerging powerhouse aiming to build something enduring that captivates fans worldwide.”

Joining Elite Company in MLS

De Paul marks the third athlete from the 2022 World Cup-winning squad to enter MLS, trailing Thiago Almada and Lionel Messi. He becomes the 18th overall World Cup victor to feature in the league. With MLS viewership surging by 25% in 2024 according to recent Nielsen reports, his addition could further elevate the league’s global appeal amid growing international interest.

Upcoming Challenges for The Herons

Inter Miami faces this weekend, but they’ll miss key players Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba due to suspensions from missing the All-Star Game. This matchup tests the team’s depth as they integrate new talents like De Paul into their ambitious project.