Lionel Messi insists Rodrigo De Paul will give Inter Miami a big 'boost in quality' after Argentina team-mate's gruelling debut for MLS club

Days after swapping Atletico Madrid for Miami on loan, the midfielder played all 96 minutes of his new team's 2-1 Leagues Cup win over Atlas on Wednesday. Following his Herons bow, Messi lauded his fellow Argentine, while De Paul, who didn't expect to play the full game, was even more effusive in his praise of the 38-year-old.

After the win, Messi said via ESPN: "We've known each other for a long time, we've played a lot of games together. He gives us a boost in quality in the squad. He's coming in with a lot of desire. He's just been training very little, and he ran all out, with everything that running here in the heat, humidity, and high temperatures entails."

De Paul added on his debut: "I didn't know if it was going to be ninety minutes. I probably thought it was going to be a little less, but I think I handled it well. I have a lot of faith in this team. He's [Messi] the greatest of all. I'm lucky to have been able to play with him for so many years on the national team, to have won so many titles, and now to share a club with him. It's an honor for me to tell my children about when they're older."

Miami topped the Eastern Conference last season but failed to win the MLS trophy, and this term, they are fifth in the table. De Paul is eager to help Messi's side win trophies in 2025/26, and perhaps his addition can be key in delivering that goal.

De Paul, who could sign permanently for the United States outfit on a deal until 2029, and Messi are likely to feature alongside one another again when Miami take on Necaxa this weekend in the second of their three Leagues Cup group stage games.