The Argentine has joined on an initial loan deal until the end of the 2025 season, with an option to make the move permanent. Despite not having any formal training sessions with the side. The playmaker made his debut against with LIGA MX's Atlas FC where he played 90 minutes and helped the side to a 2-1 victory.
Speaking after the game, Mascherano had a a lot of praise for the 31 year old who proved that he can fit into any team even without any preparation.
"To see the type of performance that he showed, and the way that he gave of himself to the last minute, speaks of who he is.
"We needed a type of player like this one, who not only makes this attitude contagious to the other teammates, but also shows it with facts.
"So we just want to tell him to be himself ... and to have that energy be contagious among all of the players. So, really happy for the game that he played."
De Paul's debut came mere hours after his work visa paperwork was completed as he was thrown in the deep end. He finished the night second on Miami in completed passes with 51, behind only Jordi Alba's 53, and nearly double Busquets' 26. Mascherano again heaped praise on the Argentine who will be a strong addition to the Herons.
"He is one of the best players of the World Cup-winning team, and he provides this type of quality inside and outside of the field. All of us who have had the possibility of playing with Leo, players that have that type of connection with him, we need to take advantage of that, because these are few and far between, this type of player.
And they have a knowledge of this game that allows us to order ourselves. And, I mean, he has a very particular energy, right?"
De Paul will look to build on his successful start in South Beach and he admitted that he has full faith in this Miami side who looked strong even without some of their best players.
"I have a lot of faith in this team, stated De Paul. "I see players I know well, Argentines I’ve watched come through here and perform well, and things have gone well for our national team because of it.
"I think the team is good. The way we play is good, but physically, we can do it too. Overall, this is a group that can compete for titles."