Is De Paul Messi Bodyguard? Unpacking Inter Miami's Newest Star

Charlotte Stanton MD 16 Aug 2025

The world of football, it seems, always has a fresh story brewing, and recently, a particular question has captured the attention of many fans: Is De Paul Messi bodyguard? It's a rather intriguing idea, isn't it, especially when you consider the flair and skill that Lionel Messi brings to the pitch. People are really starting to wonder about the role Rodrigo De Paul plays, not just as a midfielder, but perhaps in a more protective capacity for the legendary Argentine player.

This whole conversation around Rodrigo De Paul joining Inter Miami has sparked quite a bit of chatter, too it's almost as if everyone has an opinion. He is, after all, a celebrated Argentine midfielder, and his arrival in Major League Soccer is a big deal for sure. Many are curious about how he'll fit into the team, and what kind of dynamic he will bring to the game alongside Messi, who is, arguably, the biggest name in the sport.

So, the idea of De Paul as Messi's "bodyguard" isn't just a random thought; it comes from a place of observation and a bit of humor, you know? It's a nickname that has stuck with him for some time, particularly during their time playing for their national team. Now, with his move to Inter Miami, the nickname is getting a fresh wave of attention, and people are keen to understand if there's more to it than just a playful tag.

Rodrigo De Paul: The Man and His Game
- Personal Details and Bio Data
The "Bodyguard" Nickname: On the Pitch
- A History of Playing Together
- De Paul's Role in Action
The Other "Bodyguard": Yassine Cheuko
- The MLS Situation
Inter Miami's Strategic Move
- A Reunion of Champions
- The Financial Side of the Transfer
Fan Reactions and The Future
Frequently Asked Questions

Rodrigo De Paul: The Man and His Game

Let's talk about Rodrigo De Paul, a player who has certainly made a name for himself in the football world. He's often called "el motorcito," which basically means "the little engine," and that's a pretty good way to describe his tireless work rate on the field. He's known for his energy, his ability to cover a lot of ground, and his knack for getting involved in both offensive and defensive plays, so he's quite a dynamic player, really.

Now, it's also true that many people, in a rather humorous way, have started calling him Lionel Messi's bodyguard. This nickname, as we'll explore, isn't about him literally being a security guard. Instead, it speaks to a certain style of play and his close relationship with Messi on the field. He's a player who seems to always be there, offering support and protection in the flow of the game, which is something you don't always see.

Inter Miami CF has officially brought in Rodrigo De Paul. This signing is a loan deal from Atletico Madrid, and it includes an option for a permanent transfer later on. This is a significant move for the club, and it certainly got a lot of people talking about the team's plans for the future. It was a big announcement that captured a lot of attention, and for good reason, too.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Detail	Information
Full Name	Rodrigo Javier De Paul
Nationality	Argentine
Primary Position	Midfielder
Former Club	Atletico Madrid
New Club	Inter Miami CF (on loan)
Known Nicknames	El Motorcito, Messi's Bodyguard
National Team Debut (with Messi)	Late 2018
Major Shared Trophies (with Messi)	Two Copa Américas, 2022 World Cup
Club Level Reunion with Messi	First time
Transfer Details	Loan from Atletico Madrid, option for permanent transfer, reportedly a $15 million deal

The "Bodyguard" Nickname: On the Pitch

The idea of Rodrigo De Paul being Messi's "bodyguard" really comes alive when you watch them play together, particularly for the Argentine national team. It's not about physical protection from outside threats, but rather about his playing style and how he supports Messi during a match. He's a player who always seems to know where Messi is on the field, which is, honestly, a pretty impressive feat given Messi's movements.

De Paul is known for providing crucial deliveries to the Argentine icon. This means he's often the one getting the ball to Messi in dangerous positions, helping to set up scoring chances. Beyond that, he takes on a role that's often described as an enforcer. He's willing to get stuck into tackles, break up opposition plays, and basically do the dirty work in the midfield, which, in a way, shields Messi from some of the tougher aspects of the game.

When these two are on the field together, De Paul's presence is quite noticeable. He's constantly working, providing cover, and making sure that Messi has the space and the ball he needs to work his magic. This kind of dedication and tireless effort for his teammate is precisely why the "bodyguard" label has stuck. It's a testament to his commitment and his understanding of Messi's needs during a game, which is pretty unique.

A History of Playing Together

Rodrigo De Paul has been playing alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina since late 2018. This isn't a new partnership; they've had years to develop their understanding on the field. This long history together has clearly built a strong bond, both professionally and, it seems, personally. You can really see that connection when they're playing, too.

Together, they've achieved some truly remarkable things for their country. They conquered two Copa Américas, which were huge victories for Argentina. And, of course, they were key figures in the team that won the 2022 World Cup, a moment that will live forever in football history. These shared successes have undoubtedly cemented their relationship and their roles within the national team, making De Paul a very trusted ally for Messi.

It's during these significant matches that De Paul is often seen guarding Lionel Messi. He's always near, ready to help out, ready to win the ball back, or ready to offer an outlet. This consistent presence and protective playing style with La Albiceleste, the Argentine national team, is why he's so widely known as Messi's bodyguard. It's a nickname born from his consistent actions and his dedication to his friend and captain.

De Paul's Role in Action

When you watch De Paul play, you'll notice he's always in motion, a bit like a tireless worker bee in the midfield. He’s the kind of player who will chase down opponents, win back possession, and then quickly look to distribute the ball forward. This constant activity helps to disrupt the other team's rhythm and create opportunities for his own side, which is very helpful.

His ability to provide delivery to Messi is a crucial part of his game. He has a good range of passing and can pick out Messi in tight spaces or with longer, more incisive balls. This partnership means that Messi gets the ball in advantageous positions more often, allowing him to focus on his attacking duties without having to drop too deep to retrieve the ball, which, honestly, makes a big difference.

Taking on the role of enforcer means he's not afraid to get physical when needed. He'll make important tackles and put pressure on opposing players, protecting the more creative players like Messi from being overwhelmed. This protective aspect of his game, combined with his energy and passing ability, makes him an invaluable asset to any team, and particularly to one built around a superstar like Messi.

The Other "Bodyguard": Yassine Cheuko

Before Rodrigo De Paul's arrival, there was another "bodyguard" who became quite famous in the MLS circuit: Yassine Cheuko. This individual became a household name when his role as Lionel Messi’s personal bodyguard hit mainstream news after Messi moved to Inter Miami. Cheuko wasn't a player, but rather a security professional whose job was to keep Messi safe, both on and off the field, which is a pretty serious task.

Cheuko had been acting as Messi’s shadow off the pitch for several years, a constant presence ensuring the superstar's safety. After Messi moved to America in 2023, Cheuko's role even extended to the pitch during games. He was often seen running along the touchline, ready to fend off pitch invaders who were trying to get a hug or a photo with Messi. This was, in a way, a very visible and unusual sight during matches.

Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, was, in fact, the talk of the touchline everywhere Messi went in MLS. His presence was so prominent that it drew a lot of attention, sometimes even overshadowing the game itself for a brief moment. This level of visibility for a personal security guard during matches was something quite new for the league, and it certainly made people curious.

The MLS Situation

That highly visible role of Yassine Cheuko on the touchline continued for a while, but it seems it became a bit too much of a distraction. Major League Soccer, the league itself, ultimately took action. The league decided to ban Cheuko from being on the touchline this season because his presence had become such a big distraction. This decision meant that Messi would no longer have his personal security literally shadowing him during games.

This situation created a unique need for Inter Miami. Messi, who already has a bodyguard off the field for his personal safety, would now be without that immediate, visible protection on the field during matches. Fans humorously noted on social media platforms that Messi, in a way, would now have two "bodyguards"—one for off-field security and, now, perhaps one for on-field support and protection, too.

The league's decision to ban the visible presence of the off-field bodyguard during games really opened up a spot, in a sense, for a different kind of protector. This is where Rodrigo De Paul's signing takes on an even more interesting layer. It suggests a strategic move by Inter Miami to address a perceived need for Messi's well-being on the pitch, but in a footballing context, which is quite clever.

Inter Miami's Strategic Move

So, with the situation surrounding the previous touchline bodyguard, Inter Miami went out and made a very interesting move. They got their superstar a "bodyguard" that can stay with him everywhere on the pitch. This isn't about physical security in the traditional sense; it's about getting a player whose style and history perfectly align with supporting Lionel Messi during the game. It's a clever solution to a unique problem, really.

Inter Miami CF just announced the signing of Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul from Spanish giants Club Atlético de Madrid. This announcement confirmed the rumors and speculation that had been circulating for a while. It's a significant acquisition for the club, bringing in a player of high caliber who has a proven track record of success, especially alongside Messi, which is, of course, a huge bonus.

Rodrigo De Paul has verbally agreed to swap Atletico Madrid for Inter Miami in what is reportedly a $15 million deal. This financial commitment shows how serious Inter Miami is about building a strong team around Lionel Messi. It’s a substantial investment in a player who is not only talented but also has that unique, established connection with their star player, which is, honestly, invaluable.

A Reunion of Champions

De Paul's move to Inter Miami means he will reunite with Lionel Messi, but that's not the only familiar face he'll see. He'll also be joining several former Barcelona teammates who are already in Miami. Players like Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez are all part of the Inter Miami squad. This creates a very familiar and comfortable environment for De Paul, which is, you know, quite a nice thing for a new player.

This reunion of champions is a fascinating aspect of Inter Miami's team building. It's clear they are trying to recreate some of the magic that these players shared in their previous clubs and with the national team. Having players who already understand each other's movements and playing styles can significantly speed up the team's cohesion, and that's a big advantage, as a matter of fact.

The fact that De Paul will play alongside his friend at the club level for the very first time is a particularly exciting detail. They've conquered so much together on the international stage, but club football is a different beast. This new chapter will allow them to continue their on-field partnership, potentially bringing even more success to Inter Miami. It's a new challenge, and they seem ready for it.

The Financial Side of the Transfer

The reported $15 million deal for Rodrigo De Paul's move to Inter Miami certainly highlights the club's ambition. This kind of investment for a loan deal with an option for a permanent transfer shows a clear long-term vision. It suggests that Inter Miami sees De Paul as a foundational piece of their team, not just a temporary fix, which is pretty significant.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul was, for some time, on the verge of joining his Argentine teammate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. The negotiations and verbal agreements likely involved a lot of back and forth, as is typical with such high-profile transfers. The fact that the deal is now official means that all parties were able to come to an agreement that satisfied their respective needs, which is always a good outcome.

This financial outlay for De Paul reflects his value as a player. He's a World Cup winner, a Copa América champion, and a key midfielder for a top European club. His experience, his work rate, and his unique connection with Messi all contribute to his market worth. It’s a substantial commitment from Inter Miami, indicating their belief in his ability to make a significant impact on the team's performance, and, frankly, it makes sense.

Fan Reactions and The Future

The news of Rodrigo De Paul's signing has been met with a mix of excitement and humor from fans, particularly on social media platforms. The "bodyguard" narrative has really taken hold, with many fans playfully suggesting that Messi will now have "two bodyguards"—one off the field (Yassine Cheuko, even with the MLS ban for touchline presence) and one on the field (De Paul). This lighthearted take adds to the general buzz around Inter Miami.

This kind of fan engagement is, arguably, very good for the league and the club. It creates talking points, generates interest, and keeps the team in the headlines. The humor surrounding De Paul's nickname helps to make the transfer more relatable and memorable for a wider audience, which is a big win for marketing, too. It’s a fun way to look at a serious footballing move, you know?

As De Paul steps forward into his new role with Inter Miami, the focus will undoubtedly be on how his on-field partnership with Messi develops at the club level. Will his presence truly free up Messi even more? Will he be the tireless engine that drives the team forward, providing both offensive support and defensive cover? These are the questions that fans will be eagerly watching to see answered on the pitch, and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. Learn more about Rodrigo De Paul's role on our site, and discover more about Inter Miami's team here.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often ask about the specific role Rodrigo De Paul plays for Lionel Messi, especially with this "bodyguard" nickname floating around. It's a common query that pops up quite a bit. Many are curious about whether this is a literal security role or something else entirely. It’s a fair question, and the answer lies in his on-field actions and the dynamics of their partnership, which is, in a way, quite unique.

Another thing that comes up frequently is the history between De Paul and Messi. People want to know how long they've played together and what they've achieved as teammates. Their shared successes, particularly with the Argentine national team, are a big part of why their connection is so strong. It's a partnership that has delivered some truly historic moments, so it's natural for people to be interested in that.

Then there's the question about Inter Miami's motivation for signing De Paul, especially in light of the "other" bodyguard situation. Many wonder if there's a direct link between the MLS banning the touchline presence of Messi's personal security and the club bringing in De Paul. It's a strategic move that has certainly sparked a lot of discussion about the team's overall approach, and it's a very valid point to consider.

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