In the first round of the 2025 North American Leagues Cup, Inter Miami defeated Atlas 2-1 at home, with Lionel Messi providing two assists and a late winner from Vignette. Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who recently transferred from Atlético Madrid, started the game and played the full 90 minutes.
"The reception from my teammates has been fantastic, and I know some of them already. My job is to help the team in my position, and I feel really comfortable right now. I hope this is the first of many victories," he said in an interview with the official broadcaster after the match.
Furthermore, he made it clear that he was delighted to play alongside Messi: "I want to help him win titles. He’s the greatest player of all time, and I’ve been lucky enough to win many honors with him in the national team. Now being with him at the club too makes me proud. I’ve always enjoyed it, and I want to help him win many more titles together."
Hours before the game, the midfielder spoke with the club and detailed what prompted his decision: "The dream of winning titles is one of the reasons I came here. I want to write an important chapter in Inter Miami’s history. I’ve always loved challenges, so I’m really happy. I think I’ve always played with passion throughout my career. I give my all in every game. My commitment might seem a bit crazy to many, but this is how I live my life. I believe that’s what makes people identify with and like me," he added.
De Paul concluded by emphasizing that everyone needs to give their all on the pitch: "I came here to win titles, and to do that, we have to make fewer mistakes. This mentality will build over time, but I’ll do my part in my position," he summed up.
