- Messi & De Paul share a close bond
- Atletico midfielder lavished praise on forward
- Hinted that move to Inter Miami might be on the cards
Getty Images SportRodrigo De Paul explains how Lionel Messi 'creates discipline without saying a word' as Argentina midfielder drops hint about linking up with Inter Miami superstar in MLS

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There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.

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The VPN can be applied across 12 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.

Pro
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 14 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is included with the Express Pro plan.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers an unlimited private email relay plus an unlimited number of shared aliases and 20 custom domains, ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator, and ExpressAI, an AI assistant that offers 500 credits a day, six AI models, a web search facility plus 2GB storage.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save around 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 67%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for five days in 150+ destinations.

Basic
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.

Advanced
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 12 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.
WHAT HAPPENED?
De Paul and Messi share an incredible camaraderie as they have stood shoulder to shoulder in Argentina’s most historic footballing moments, winning the Copa América in 2021 and then conquering the world at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The midfielder is also often seen socialising with Messi off the pitch, and recent speculation suggests that he might soon link up with his close friend in the United States.
Getty Images SportWHAT DE PAUL SAID
Describing Messi’s leadership style, De Paul explained how the former Barcelona star quietly commands respect without uttering a word. In an interview with Simplemente Futbol, he said: "He doesn’t speak a lot, but his actions set the tone. If lunch is at 1 pm, he’s already there before 1. Without saying a word, he creates discipline."
The pair’s connection transcends verbal instructions. On the pitch, a glance is often enough for them to read each other’s intent and adjust accordingly.
"Sometimes we just look at each other and know what’s needed to reorganise the team. It makes the process more fluid," he said.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Inter Miami are reportedly actively pursuing a deal for De Paul, whose contract with Atletico Madrid expires in 2026. While no final agreement has been reached, talks are reportedly progressing. Atletico are open to letting De Paul leave this summer if the right offer arrives.
However, one of the major hurdles in facilitating high-profile signings in MLS is adhering to the league's salary cap structure. De Paul would either need to join on a salary of around $850,000, within the league's standard budget parameters, or Inter Miami would have to clear a Designated Player (DP) slot to accommodate him at a higher wage. However, the midfielder has insisted that money will not be the driving force behind his next move, hinting that a transfer across the Atlantic might be on the cards.
"At one point I told Racing, ‘I just want to play the Copa Libertadores. Don’t pay me.’ I wasn’t looking for money. I just wanted to be in a place where I felt wanted," he said.
"Sometimes it’s not about the financial side. It’s how a club makes you feel. When Udinese gave me the No. 10 shirt, the same number Di Natale wore, I felt they trusted me. That matters more than a contract. I’ve worked hard, of course, but I’m not motivated by money. I need to feel valued. That’s what pushes me."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?
Amid their ongoing efforts to build a dominant team around Messi, bringing in someone like De Paul, who understands the Argentine icon pretty well, could be a game-changer. The Herons will be back in action against Cincinnati in a midweek fixture in the MLS.
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