"Very unpleasant guy" - Pundit slams Argentina star, says he'd tell player that he's only picked in the team because he's Lionel Messi's friend
Former Chile international-turned-pundit Patricio Mardones has slammed Lionel Messi's Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul. Mardones has claimed that the Atletico Madrid midfielder is only a member of La Albiceleste's squad because of his friendship with Messi.
Rodrigo De Paul has won 70 caps for his nation, scoring two goals, and was an important member of the squad that won Copa America 2021, the World Cup and Finalissima in 2022, and Copa America 2024.
De Paul played 90 minutes in Argentina's most recent match against Chile, as La Albiceleste secured a 3-0 win. Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Paulo Dybala all got their names on the scoresheet.
After the World Cup qualifying defeat for his country, the former Chile international said (via GOAL):
"There is a nasty player, Rodrigo De Paul. Watching the match between Argentina and Chile, I would tell him on the pitch 'wow, you're bad'. He is a limited player who works hard."
"He has very good team-mates who make up for that limitation. I would have told him: ‘You are bad and you play because you are a friend of Messi.' De Paul makes me feel that way, he's a very unpleasant guy."
La Albiceleste will take on Colombia in their next World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, September 10. Chile, on the other hand, will face Bolivia.
When will Lionel Messi return from injury? Inter Miami teammate provides update
Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's match against Colombia as he has been out of contention since the 2024 Copa America final. His right ankle was damaged during the game and he hasn't featured since for either club or country.
Messi's Inter Miami teammate Julian Gressel has revealed how close the forward is to getting fully fit. He told the Player/Manager podcast (via GOAL):
"He’s not really limping anymore. He’s been part of team training, but I think it was a little bit too early, that Chicago game for him... I expect him to be part of the team in this next game..."
"He’s definitely been in team training, he’s been part of the group more on the field, and it’s nice. It’s nice to see him back out there because it’s Leo Messi."
Based on Gressel's statement, Lionel Messi could potentially feature in the Herons' upcoming match against Philadelphia on September 15. If he fails to make the team for that game, the legendary playmaker will likely face Atlanta United on September 19.