Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul urged supporters to appreciate every appearance by Lionel Messi rather than speculate about the end of the captain’s international career as the defending champions prepared for Friday’s World Cup round-of-16 match against tournament debutants Cape Verde.
Messi, now 39, is widely expected to be playing in his final World Cup for Argentina, but De Paul insisted the focus should remain on enjoying the presence of one of football’s greatest players instead of counting down to his farewell.
“For me, the main thing is to enjoy Leo Messi every single day, just as every Argentinian citizen,” De Paul told reporters. “Of course, we always value those things more than what we don’t have anymore. That’s part of life. But we are all enjoying having him around.”
Playing in his sixth World Cup, Messi has once again demonstrated his enduring quality by leading the tournament scoring charts with six goals in three matches, including a hat trick in Argentina’s opening victory over Algeria.
De Paul, who joined Messi at Inter Miami after leaving Atletico Madrid last year, also reflected on the close friendship that has developed between the pair over recent years. Nicknamed “Messi’s bodyguard” by supporters because of his tireless work protecting the captain on the field, De Paul described the relationship as one of the greatest privileges of his life.
“It means a lot to be a good friend of Lionel Messi. Friendship is one of the most important things that we all have,” he said. “I consider myself a very lucky man. For being there, sharing moments with him on and off the pitch. And that makes me really proud.”
Argentina had initially expected to face one of the tournament’s traditional heavyweights in the knockout stage, but Cape Verde’s impressive group-stage campaign altered that path.
“When the draw was announced, we realised that we might have to face a former World Cup winner, national teams with major players playing in big leagues,” De Paul said.
Despite Cape Verde’s status as World Cup newcomers, the midfielder warned against underestimating the African side after its strong performances during the group stage.
“We’re facing a team that played very well during the group stages, they played very well against their opponents,” he said. “I think that we need to be very responsible when it comes to tomorrow’s game, because it’s a very important match for us.”
Having been a key figure under coach Lionel Scaloni for nearly eight years, De Paul said Argentina’s previous experience in knockout football would help the squad manage the pressure, although he acknowledged that every elimination match brings unique emotions.
“Of course, we’ve played these knockout matches before, but every game is different,” De Paul said. “Those feelings, those emotions are always very strong and powerful. You never know what impact they might have.”
“With experience, you know how to manage them. But at the end of the day, they are emotions and you need to respect them.”
