Rodrigo De Paul's comments to Lionel Messi after latter's missed penalty in shootout against Ecuador in Copa America clash comes to light
Rodrigo De Paul's words of encouragement to Lionel Messi after he missed his penalty in Argentina's Copa America clash against Ecuador have been revealed.
La Albiceleste locked horns with Ecuador in the quarter-finals of the continental competition on Thursday (4 July). Lisandro Martinez opened the scoring for Argentina in the 35th minute. A swirling corner from Lionel Messi deflected off Alexis Mac Allister's head and Martinez headed it home to take the lead.
Lionel Scaloni's men looked set to qualify for the semi-finals until Kevin Rodriguez's stoppage-time equalizer offered Ecuador a lifeline. The match went on to penalties and Lionel Messi stepped up to take Argentina's first spot-kick.
The seasoned veteran attempted a panenka but failed to find the target as the ball hit the crossbar, a dismal start to the shootout for Argentina. Despite the blow, De Paul remained optimistic of his side's chances.
The Atletico Madrid midfielder was seen speaking to Messi after his miss and consoling him. He said in Spanish (via TyC Sports):
“We're going to win it, we're going to win.”
Here's a video of the same:
De Paul's comments aged well as La Albiceleste went on to win the shootout 4-2. Angel Mena and Alan Minda missed their penalties for Ecuador while Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nicolas Otamendi were all on target for Argentina.
Their win over Ecuador has booked Lionel Scaloni's men a spot in the semi-finals. They will face the winner of the quarter-final clash between Canada and Venezuela.
"I was convinced to take it like that" - Lionel Messi admits he was 'angry' after missed penalty in Argentina vs Ecuador
Lionel Messi has admitted that he's frustrated after his missed panenka attempt in the Copa America win over Ecuador. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner revealed that the approach to the spot-kick was determined beforehand and done with deliberation.
Speaking after the game, the Barcelona legend told reporters (as quoted by beIN Sports):
"I was convinced to take it like that (a Panenka). I had discussed it with Dibu (Martinez) and Rulli... I had been shooting several cross-shots in a row, and indeed, the Ecuadorian goalkeeper dove for a cross-shot. I tried to touch it, and it went a bit high. It made me very angry."
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni also rushed to Messi's defense after the game, insisting that he performed well and was not to blame. Scaloni said:
"He played like the rest of the team, we are a team. This is a team; if the team played well, he played well. We have never separated the individual from the collective. Leo had a good game."
Lionel Messi has played throughout each of Argentina's Copa America 2024 fixtures so far except their group-stage win over Peru, which he missed through injury. The former Barcelona star is yet to find the back of the net at this edition for La Albiceleste.