Rodrigo De Paul broke his silence after the painful defeat against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The Argentina national team midfielder posted a lengthy message on his social media, mixing thanks, tears, and a strong criticism of those who, according to him, were waiting for Lionel Scaloni’s team to slip up.
“The greatest pain is because we couldn’t bring the World Cup back to our country again, because if anyone deserved to relive that feeling, it was you,” wrote De Paul, visibly affected. The player, who returned to Miami alongside Lionel Messi after the final, said the fans’ affection helps him cope with the defeat: “As the hours go by, they make us realize that the identification they have with this group goes beyond the trophy.”
But the message did not stop at the emotional. De Paul also fired at those who, in his view, secretly celebrated the fall of the Scaloneta. “Today I see how many people were waiting for this fall. Our smiles bother them, our ways annoy them,” he said, in a clear reference to the criticism and conspiracies that circulated during the World Cup. For the midfielder, those attacks only strengthened the bond with the people: “That only reaffirmed that the passion and love for our jersey can overcome everything.”
De Paul’s pain had already been seen live, right after the match ended at MetLife Stadium. Alongside Messi, he approached the stands to greet the thousands of Argentines present and could not hold back his tears. At one point, he raised his hands in apology for not having achieved the back-to-back championship. Then he sat on the grass and broke down again.
The Inter Miami midfielder had been a substitute in the semifinal against England, but Scaloni put him in during the second half. For the final, he regained his starting spot and played 70 minutes before being replaced by Giuliano Simeone. His effort on the pitch was total, but it was not enough to stop a Spain that took the title.
Messi also spoke out this Monday on Instagram. “The pain is very great and it will take time for this wound to heal,” the captain acknowledged, although he valued reaching two consecutive finals and thanked the fans for their support. He also congratulated Spain for the championship.
De Paul, however, does not give up. “It will hurt for a long time, but today more than ever I am proud to be Argentine,” he concluded. The Scaloneta returns home with their heads held high, but with the thorn of not having been able to repeat the feat of 2022.
Watch the 2026 World Cup in the best quality
These are the most sought-after TVs to watch the national team. All with 12 interest-free installments:
- Smart TV Kanji 32″ LED HD – From $120,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-89J3)
- Smart TV LG 43″ 4K UHD WebOS – From $450,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-WXW9)
- Smart TV Samsung 50″ 4K UHD – From $600,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-VVE0)
Approximate prices. 12 interest-free installments subject to each seller. Look for the codes on Mercado Libre.
Para mí estos gorilas de mierda no soportan ver feliz al pueblo laburante. Rodrigo la rompiste toda, el Diego te abraza desde el cielo. La celeste y blanca es de los trabajadores, no de los oligarcas. ¡Vamos Argentina carajo! 🔟🇦🇷 -Firmado: El_Tano_Pasman
Para mí De Paul se hace el dolido pero la culpa es de esta dirigencia vendepatria que nos llena de zurdos. Me parece que festejan nuestro fracaso los mismos de siempre. Yo creo que vamos a volver más fuertes carajo defendiendo la verdadera argentinidad.