Fans should cherish Lionel Messi’s every performance rather than dwell on the countdown to the farewell, Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul said on Thursday as the World Cup holders prepare for their knockout clash with tournament debutants Cape Verde.
At 39, Messi may be playing his final tournament in Argentina colours, but De Paul rejected suggestions the team should brace for life after their talismanic captaincy.
In his sixth World Cup, Messi tops the charts with six goals from three games, including a hat-trick in their group opener against Algeria.
«For me, the most important thing is to enjoy Leo Messi every day, just like every Argentine citizen,» De Paul, nicknamed «Messi’s bodyguard» by fans for his constant protection of his captain on the pitch, told reporters ahead of last Friday’s match against Cape Verde in Miami.
«Of course we always appreciate those things more than what we no longer have. That’s part of life. But we all enjoy having him around.»
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De Paul, who joined Inter Miami from Atletico Madrid last year, also paid tribute to his relationship with his skipper, describing their friendship as one of the most important things in his life.
«It means a lot to be a good friend of Lionel Messi. Friendship is one of the most important things we all have,» De Paul said.
«I consider myself a very lucky man. Because I am there and I can share moments with him, both on and off the field. And that makes me really proud.»
DE PAUL SURPRISED BY CAPE VERDE
De Paul admitted that Argentina had expected to meet European champions Spain or Uruguay in the knockout rounds instead of Cape Verde, surprising many by finishing in second place from Group H.
“When the draw was announced, we realized that we might be dealing with a (former) World Cup winner, national teams with big players playing in big leagues,” De Paul said.
But he also warned against underestimating their African opponents, a sentiment echoed by his coach Lionel Scaloni.
“We are facing a team that played very well during the group stage, they played very well against their opponents,” he said.
«I think we have to be very responsible when it comes to tomorrow’s match because it is a very important match for us.»
A regular under Scaloni for almost eight years, Paul reflected on the importance of experience in knockout football, while also acknowledging that emotions will run high regardless of previous tournaments.
“Of course we have played these knockout games before, but every game is different,” he said.
«Those feelings, those emotions are always very strong and powerful. You never know what impact they can have.»
«With experience you know how to deal with them. But at the end of the day they are emotions and you have to respect them.»
Published on July 3, 2026
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