Rodrigo De Paul claims having Lionel Messi in the Argentina team gives the squad ‘peace of mind’

By | Niranjan Bhargav 13 Oct, 2023

According to midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, having Lionel Messi on the field is equivalent to obtaining a peaceful mental state for Argentina’s national team. The Atletico Madrid star stated unequivocally that Messi adds a feeling of calm to the team.

Argentina defeated Paraguay 1-0 in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier, cementing their place atop the South American qualification table. Lionel Messi came on in the 53rd minute to replace Julian Alvarez.

Argentina’s first goal came in the third minute, thanks to Nicolas Otamendi, but Messi’s entrance helped to steady the ship. He completed 24 passes with a 74% passing accuracy and came close to scoring with a free kick that struck the woodwork. De Paul stated following the game (via AlbicelesteTalk):

“We always miss him, and we always want him on the field.” It’s a pleasure for me to turn around and give him a pass, to be able to give him a chance. He provides us with a lot of comfort. I hope he returns for the next game since everything is better with him.”

Lionel Messi got off to a flying start in the MLS, leading Inter Miami to their first trophy in team history. He led from the front, scoring 10 goals and assisting one in seven games to help his club win the League Cup.

Lionel Messi has had a difficult few weeks. The legendary forward had been battling a muscular issue that had kept him out of four games for his team. Although he returned against FC Cincinnati last weekend, he only played 35 minutes off the bench as the Herons suffered their first defeat with Messi on the field.

With his MLS season coming to an end and Inter Miami failing to make the playoffs, speculation regarding his imminent future has been rife. Messi will face high-stakes World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil in November, with the MLS on break until February. La Albiceleste, on the other hand, will stay laser-focused on the immediate job at hand—a qualifier versus Peru.

Lionel Messi’s future has been revealed: there will be no loan move

Guillem Balague, a well-known writer, has debunked speculations about Lionel Messi: the Argentine great would not be loaned out.

The Inter Miami captain has been the subject of endless conjecture, with rumours circulating that he may return to Barcelona or possibly play in the Saudi Pro League. But, as the MLS season comes to a finish on October 21, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner appears to be remaining put.

Lionel Messi has been a whirlwind since joining the Miami Heat. He led the team to their first League Cup victory in August but has been sidelined by injury since early September, playing only 72 minutes.

Following major matches next month, the legend plans a month-long vacation. Balague summarized (via The Shillong Times):

“Messi will have around one month’s holiday, like other footballers. So forget any move to Saudi or similar.”

Messi is staying with Inter Miami, focusing on both his club obligations and his position in Argentina’s World Cup hopes.

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