Former Chile worldwide Patricio Mardones has taken goal at Rodrigo De Paul, claiming Argentina continues to choose him solely as a result of he’s Lionel Messi’s pal.
Rodrigo De Paul Began As Argentina Beat Chile In World Cup Qualifier
Regardless of enjoying with out their captain, Messi, Argentina claimed a cushty 3-0 victory over Chile in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday, September 5. De Paul began in the midst of the park and put in a good shift to assist his staff to most factors.
The Atletico Madrid midfielder accomplished 67 of 74 passes (91% accuracy), delivered eight correct lengthy balls, created a game-high 5 probabilities, and had three pictures. Coming to the protection, the central midfielder made 9 recoveries, had three interceptions, and gained three floor duels.
Mardones Slams “Disagreeable” De Paul
De Paul had a reasonably first rate sport in opposition to Chile, however Mardones didn’t like what he noticed. He known as the 30-year-old a restricted participant, claiming he solely received to play for Argentina due to his wonderful relationship with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.
He mentioned (through TNT Sports activities):
“There’s a nasty participant, Rodrigo De Paul. Watching the match between Argentina and Chile, I might inform him on the pitch ‘wow, you’re dangerous’. He’s a restricted participant who works arduous.
“He has excellent teammates who make up for that limitation. I might have informed him: ‘You might be dangerous and also you play as a result of you’re a pal of Messi.’ De Paul makes me really feel that manner, he’s a really disagreeable man.”
De Paul made his Argentina debut below Lionel Scaloni on October 11, 2018. The midfielder has since performed 70 matches for La Albiceleste, scoring twice and offering 11 assists.
De Paul is one in every of Messi’s closest associates and is at all times able to go to battle for his captain. Due to his closeness with Messi, many jokingly seek advice from De Paul because the Inter Miami star’s bodyguard.
De Paul will not be as creatively inclined as most of his teammates. Nevertheless, he greater than makes up for it together with his unmatched work fee. He began every sport as Argentina secured the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. De Paul additionally proved his mettle as La Albiceleste gained consecutive Copa America trophies in 2021 and 2024, that includes in 11 of 13 video games and chipping in with one purpose and two assists.
