Rodrigo De Paul has spoken about the Argentina national team and how people wanted to see Argentina lose.
De Paul started for the Argentina national team in their 1-0 loss in the World Cup final. The Argentine posted the following on his Instagram:
“The greatest pain comes from not being able to bring the World Cup back home to our country because if anyone deserved to experience that feeling once again, it was you.
“But as the hours go by, we are beginning to realize that the connection you have with this group goes far beyond the trophy and that’s what I want to hold on to as I navigate this moment.
“Today, I look at how many people were waiting for this defeat, spending the entire World Cup spreading unfounded conspiracy theories to ease the pain of not being able to experience what all Argentinians were experiencing. Because our smiles bother them. Because the way we are bothers them. But all that did was reaffirm that the passion and love we have for our jersey can overcome anything.
“It will hurt for a long time but today, more than ever, I am proud to be Argentinian.”
Dear Rodrigo,
We have loved every minute of your journey with the Argentina national team.
The first time I truly felt you belonged at the heart of this team was in that friendly against Germany after the heartbreak of the 2018 World Cup. We were 2–0 down at half-time, and yet you never stopped believing. The comeback, finished by Lucas Alario and Lucas Ocampos, wasn’t just a draw—it felt like the first chapter of a new story. Watching you that night, I remember thinking, perhaps this team has a future after all.
And what a future it turned out to be.
You became the engine of the greatest Argentina side many of us have ever seen. You ran when others couldn’t, fought when others hesitated, protected Messi as if it were a sacred duty, and wore the shirt with a passion that no statistic can ever capture.
But football is unforgiving. Time eventually asks every player to step aside.
You’re no longer the De Paul who could dominate midfield from the first whistle to the last. That’s not a criticism—it’s simply the fate of every footballer.
Perhaps the greatest act of leadership now is to let the next generation take over, just as your generation once did after 2018.
Leave with your head held high. Leave while we still remember the relentless runner, the warrior, the heartbeat of Scaloni’s champions—not someone struggling against time.
Thank you for every tackle, every sprint, every sacrifice, and every ounce of passion you gave to Argentina.
You didn’t just help us win trophies.
You helped us believe again. 🇦🇷
Retire you shameless scum. irrelevant piece of shit. fking thug retire.
Thank you Rodrigo De Paul 🙏🏼 We love you ❤️ and thank God that you are Argentinian 🇦🇷
Please retire De Paul. You should have retired from internationals right along with going to the MLS to ride Messi.
De Paul went to MLS not to ride Messi, but mainly for the best for him and his family. His kids can benefit from opportunities available in US and for him, less pressure, more salary and less taxes than Madrid. Also, his kids learn English would open horizons for them. Being with Messi was just icing on the cake, and who wouldn’t want to play next to Messi day in day out?
That’s fine, but he should have stepped down from Argentina as well. His performances tanked after he made that move.
It’s the coach’s decision. No player would turn down the call to serve the country.