Former Chile worldwide Patricio Mardones has taken purpose at Rodrigo De Paul, claiming Argentina continues to select 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 snug 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 an honest shift to assist his group to most factors.
The Atletico Madrid midfielder accomplished 67 of 74 passes (91% accuracy), delivered eight correct lengthy balls, created a game-high 5 possibilities, and had three pictures. Coming to the protection, the central midfielder made 9 recoveries, had three interceptions, and received three floor duels.
Mardones Slams “Disagreeable” De Paul
De Paul had a reasonably respectable sport in opposition to Chile, however Mardones didn’t like what he noticed. He referred to as the 30-year-old a restricted participant, claiming he solely received to play for Argentina due to his glorious relationship with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.
He mentioned (by way of TNT Sports activities):
“There’s a nasty participant, Rodrigo De Paul. Watching the match between Argentina and Chile, I’d inform him on the pitch ‘wow, you’re dangerous’. He’s a restricted participant who works laborious.
“He has superb teammates who make up for that limitation. I’d have instructed him: ‘You’re 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 underneath 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 all Messi’s closest pals and is at all times able to go to battle for his captain. Due to his closeness with Messi, many jokingly discuss with De Paul because the Inter Miami star’s bodyguard.
De Paul shouldn’t be as creatively inclined as most of his teammates. Nonetheless, he greater than makes up for it together with his unmatched work charge. He began every sport as Argentina secured the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. De Paul additionally proved his mettle as La Albiceleste received consecutive Copa America trophies in 2021 and 2024, that includes in 11 of 13 video games and chipping in with one objective and two assists.
