David Beckham breaks down three key reasons why Lionel Messi’s new ‘bodyguard’ Rodrigo De Paul was Inter Miami’s must-have transfer

While fans were buzzing about the reunion, David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, offered a deeper explanation for the decision to bring De Paul.

Inter Miami’s latest move in the transfer market has once again made headlines—and it’s not just because of the player’s reputation. With the official arrival of Rodrigo De Paul, Lionel Messi’s trusted Argentina teammate, the Florida-based club has secured more than just a tenacious midfielder. De Paul is a World Cup winner, a Copa America champion, and perhaps most famously, the on-field ‘bodyguard’ for the Argentine maestro.

But while fans were buzzing about the reunion, David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, offered a deeper explanation for the decision—outlining three key reasons for bringing De Paul into one of the most star-studded squads in MLS history.

World-class reunion in Miami

De Paul’s move to Inter Miami was confirmed on Friday, finalizing a loan deal from Atletico Madrid until the end of the 2025 MLS season. The agreement includes an option to buy, potentially keeping him in Miami through 2029.

This transfer marks a high-profile reunion between two of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup heroes. Known for his aggressive midfield presence and unwavering support of Messi on and off the pitch, De Paul has earned the nickname “El Motorcito” for his relentless energy and pressing.

“What brings me to Inter Miami is the desire to compete, win titles, to write the pages in the club’s history,” De Paul said, via Mundo Deportivo. “It’s a club that is shaping up to be great, to have a long history, so that many people follow this incredible team.”

Beckham’s three vital reasons

As fans speculated on the rationale behind the signing, David Beckham was quick to explain Inter Miami’s motivations. “He brings experience, passion, and quality to the team,” Beckham said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo. “Rodrigo is a player I’ve admired for many years. As a leader, he’s contributed greatly to the teams he’s played for, especially his national team, Argentina.”

These three elements—experience, passion, and quality—form the foundation of why De Paul was seen as a critical addition to the squad.

His experience spans not just club soccer in Europe, but the grandest stages of international competition. His passion is unmistakable; fans still remember how he would go toe-to-toe with anyone who dared target Messi. And his quality? That was cemented long before his dominant World Cup campaign.