Lionel Messi's Inter Miami activate option to sign Argentine superstar for €15m

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have triggered their option to sign Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul on a permanent basis from Atletico Madrid. The newly-crowned MLS Cup champions will part ways with the sum of €15 million to sign the versatile midfielder permanently.

De Paul joined Inter Miami in a shock move in the summer despite starring for Atletico Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup only weeks prior. He was signed on an initial short-term loan with an agreement in place between both clubs for a permanent transfer at the end of their season.

Rodrigo De Paul played a key role for the Herons following his move from Europe to the MLS, playing 23 times for Javier Mascherano's side across all competitions. The 31-year-old's final act of the season was to latch onto an assist from Lionel Messi and score the go-ahead goal for the Herons in the MLS Cup final against Vancouver Whitecaps.

Inter Miami have lost a lot of their star power at the end of their triumphant campaign, with designated players (DPs) Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba opting to retire from professional football. They will have De Paul as one of their designated players alongside Lionel Messi while they will look to sign another designated player.

Rodrigo De Paul will be contracted to the MLS side until the end of the 2029 season after his impressive start to life in North America. He ended up winning two trophies in his first six months at the club and will hope for more success alongside Messi, whose contract runs until 2028.

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami target Mura to replace Weigandt: Reports

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami are set to try to sign Argentine defender Facundo Mura to strengthen their backline this off-season, as per reports. The Herons are preparing for an assault on the CONCACAF Champions Cup after emerging as the best team in the MLS this season.

Reports from journalist Marcelo Benedetto (via @intermiamicfhub) have revealed that an agreement is in place for Mura to join the club as a free agent. The 26-year-old represents Racing Club in his native Argentina, helping them to reach the final of the Primera Division in Argentina.

Mura is being targeted as a replacement for Marcelo Weigandt, who has left the Chase Stadium at the end of his season-long loan spell. He will compete with Ian Fray for a starting berth in Mascherano's side if he ends up joining the club this winter.

Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen