SUMMARY
- Rodrigo De Paul played a crucial role in fostering good team chemistry within the Argentina national side during the 2022 World Cup.
- De Paul's efforts in bringing Messi and Molina closer off the field translated into on-field success.
Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo De Paul overcame several poor performances in the group stages to excel in the knockout stages and become one of the tournament’s heroes in Qatar 2022. That was mostly due to his ability to help Lionel Messi, covering ground for the Inter Miami star while ensuring he received the ball and wouldn’t be attacked.
However, recently De Paul opened up on how important was good team chemistry for the national side. He also spoke about how he brought Messi and Molina’s bond a bit closer during the World Cup. He said, “I felt that Molina and Messi needed to get to know each other better. I knew Nahuel from Italy, and I have a great relationship with Leo. I brought them together and said, ‘Let’s play truco.'”
Rodrigo De Paul on the importance of good chemistry in the team:
“Before the World Cup, I went to a copy shop and printed 200 match schedules for a prediction game among all of us.
“Then, we organized a truco (card game) championship. I called the equipment manager and said,… pic.twitter.com/4yx5QLPbCg
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) December 26, 2023
He further added, “At first, Nahuel would timidly say ‘truco.’ And after 6 months, he’d tell Leo, ‘Look, I’ll challenge you today, give me something, don’t go forward every time.’ The goal against the Netherlands wasn’t a coincidence.” Messi assisted Molina in the Semi-Finals vs Netherlands and this may well and truly be one of the reasons behind it.
Rodrigo De Paul is well-known for his dedication to his club and his country, and he demonstrated this same level of effort during the competition in Qatar. He was prepared to give it his best for his country and did not want to miss anything. The initiative of building good team chemistry taken by Rodrigo also justifies that he wants the best for his country and his teammates.
Rodrigo De Paul shares a brother-like bond with Lionel Messi
The captain of Argentina, Lionel Messi, and star midfielder Rodrigo De Paul have a great friendship. According to De Paul, Messi is not hesitant to demonstrate his affection. De Paul and Lionel Messi are like brothers and always look out for each other on the pitch while playing for their nation.
Since De Paul’s 2018 debut, Messi and the latter have been together and share a brotherly bond. In December 2022, the two collaborated to write the most remarkable story of their international careers, helping Argentina win its first FIFA World Cup in 36 years.
Rodrigo De Paul on Messi: “We play for the shirt, but we also play for him.” pic.twitter.com/pfix9h127Z
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) December 13, 2022
Throughout the competition, De Paul frequently cracked jokes with Messi, sensing his humor and never straying from his captain’s side. On the field, the result was the same; nobody could hurt Messi. Global soccer fans even referred to De Paul as Messi’s “Bodyguard.”
Argentina started the FIFA World Cup with a shocking 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, but they rallied spectacularly to capture the coveted championship. Players such as Julian Alvarez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Angel Di Maria ensured that their nation and their adored captain, Lionel Messi, won this most prestigious title and realized the dreams of millions of Argentines.
