Another close friend of Lionel Messi will soon play in South Florida. Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has agreed to contract terms with Inter Miami, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Messi will play against Cincinnati for only the second time since joining Inter Miami and is looking for his first career goal against them. Messi did convert a penalty kick in a shootout win for Miami on Aug. 23, 2023, in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals.

Messi has scored twice in each of Miami's last five MLS games, setting a league record and propelling Mascherano's team up the table