Following Inter Miami's impressive 3-1 victory against Nashville SC in Game 1 of the MLS Cup Playoffs, the team's Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul commended the role that Lionel Messi's decision to extend his contract with the club played in motivating the squad. De Paul, who has a longstanding experience playing alongside Messi in the Argentine national team, highlighted the positive impact of having a player of Messi's caliber committed to the team for the upcoming seasons.

In a post-match interview, Rodrigo De Paul expressed his admiration for Messi's leadership both on and off the pitch, emphasizing how the news of Messi's contract extension served as a significant source of motivation for the players. De Paul noted that knowing they will continue to have Messi as a teammate moving forward has instilled a renewed sense of determination and focus within the team as they aim to progress through the playoffs.

De Paul's belief in the impact of Messi's contract extension on Inter Miami's performance was evident on the field, as the team's spirited display in their win over Nashville SC reflected the newfound motivation within the squad. The combination of Messi's quality and commitment, along with De Paul's own contributions, is setting a positive tone for Inter Miami as they strive for success in the postseason.