Messi and De Paul Back With Inter Miami Amid Roster Updates

WHO:

Goal.com - Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul are part of the Inter Miami squad.

World Soccer Talk - Juan Fernando Quintero is a free agent and a potential target for Inter Miami.

WHAT:

Goal.com - De Paul was named to the starting XI for Inter Miami.

Miami Herald - Messi and De Paul returned to Inter Miami for a rain-delayed game against Columbus Crew.

World Soccer Talk - Inter Miami is monitoring Quintero's situation after he became a free agent following his exit from River Plate.

World Soccer Talk - Quintero's contract was terminated after Colombia's elimination in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.

WHERE:

Miami Herald - The game against Columbus Crew took place in Miami.

World Soccer Talk - Colombia's 2026 World Cup match occurred in Vancouver.

WHEN:

World Soccer Talk - Colombia was eliminated in the round of 16 on penalties to Switzerland during the 2026 World Cup.

WHY:

World Soccer Talk - Quintero expressed frustration with head coach Eduardo Coudet, stating, “I’m not a priority for Coudet. As a person, I have the utmost respect for him, but footballing-wise we think differently.”

HOW:

World Soccer Talk - Quintero's departure from River Plate followed a turbulent final stretch marked by open friction with the head coach.

(UPDATED August 2, 2026 04:25 UTC)

Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul are back with Inter Miami, as De Paul has been named to the starting lineup for their rain-delayed match against Columbus Crew in Miami. Meanwhile, Juan Fernando Quintero has become a free agent after his contract was terminated following Colombia's elimination in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, where they lost to Switzerland on penalties. Inter Miami is now keeping an eye on Quintero's situation as he expressed frustration with head coach Eduardo Coudet, stating that he feels he is not a priority for the team.