Argentina’s midfield maestro, Rodrigo De Paul, recently shed light on his preference for having team captain Lionel Messi in the squad, explaining that Messi’s presence brings a sense of “peace of mind” to the team. De Paul shared this sentiment following Argentina’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in a World Cup qualifying match.
For De Paul, playing alongside Messi is more than just sharing the pitch with a footballing legend; it’s about the reassurance and confidence that Messi’s presence instills in the entire team. The Inter Miami forward has long been an integral part of Argentina’s national team, showcasing remarkable talent and contributing significantly to their successes on the international stage. In the World Cup qualifier against Paraguay, the Argentina team once again demonstrated their collective strength, with Messi playing a pivotal role in securing the victory.
De Paul’s admiration for Messi’s captaincy goes beyond his exceptional footballing skills; it extends to the leadership, experience, and calmness that Messi brings to the team. This “peace of mind” that Messi provides, according to De Paul, allows the players to focus on their roles and execute their game plan effectively.
As Argentina aims for further success in international competitions, De Paul’s revelation underscores the significance of Messi’s leadership in the team. His presence not only elevates the level of play but also bolsters the team’s mental strength and unity, essential qualities for achieving footballing excellence on the world stage.
Messi entered the fray in the 53rd minute, replacing Julian Alvarez.
Nicolas Otamendi’s 3rd-minute goal had set the tone for Argentina against Paraguay but Messi’s introduction certainly steadied the ship.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner played 24 total passes with 74% passing accuracy and came close to getting on the scoresheet with a freekick that hit the woodwork.
Speaking after the game, De Paul said (via AlbicelesteTalk): “We always miss him, we always want to have him on the field.
“For me, it’s a pleasure to turn around and give him a pass, being able to give him a chance.
“He gives us a lot of peace of mind. I hope he comes back for the next game because, with him, everything is better.”