🔥 Trending Rodrigo de Paul: Argentina's Midfield Engine and Messi's Confidant

Rodrigo De Paul is an Argentine professional football (soccer) player known for his role as a midfielder for Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami and the Argentina national team ¹. He is often described as a tireless and high-energy player, earning him the nickname "El Motorcito" (the little engine) in Argentina ⁶.

Early Life and Career

Born on May 24, 1994, in Sarandí, Argentina, Rodrigo De Paul began his professional career in football ¹⁷. He made his senior international debut for Argentina in 2018 ¹.

Club Career

De Paul has played for several clubs throughout his career. While he previously played for La Liga club Atlético Madrid ², he joined Inter Miami in 2025 ³⁷. His move to Inter Miami has garnered significant attention, particularly due to his role alongside Lionel Messi ³⁶.

International Career and Achievements

De Paul is a key member of the Argentina national team. He played an integral part in Argentina's triumph at the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup ¹. He is widely recognized for his dedication to making Lionel Messi's job easier on the field, often referred to as Messi's "bodyguard" due to his defensive and supportive playstyle ³.

Current Status

As of 2026, De Paul continues to play for Inter Miami and the Argentina national team ¹⁷. He is expected to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 ⁸. His market value is estimated at €14.00 million ⁷.