Lionel Messi took no time welcoming new Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul to Chase Stadium and MLS on Saturday during the club’s match against FC Cincinnati.

With MLS' roster rules severely limiting Inter Miami's spending, how have the Herons managed to sign another high-impact -- and high-earning -- friend of Lionel Messi's?

Inter Miami acquired Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul from LaLiga powerhouse Atletico Madrid. The MLS club announced the move late Friday, with De Paul arriving on loan through 2025 with a purchase option that could make the deal permanent through 2029.

Inter Miami, without international superstar Lionel Messi, will host FC Cincinnati in both team's first game after the All-Star Break. Find out how you can watch the game for free.

New midfield signing Rodrigo De Paul will take on a legendary shirt number when he debuts with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF, donning the No. 7 shirt for the South Florida side.