De Paul: The relentless heartbeat behind Argentina’s World Cup charge

In the 87th minute of their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Algeria, Argentina were leading 3-0 and victory for the CONMEBOL heavyweights seemed like a foregone conclusion. The world champions were in cruise control against a side who had seemingly been bamboozled by the brilliance of Lionel Messi, whose hattrick heroics looked certain to have wrapped up all three points before he made way in the 78th minute to a standing ovation.

However, for Rodrigo De Paul, matches are never over until the final whistle is blown. In a scene that tells you all you need to know about the indefatigable midfielder, he intercepted a pass played towards an Algerian opponent by thumping the ball firmly into the stands before glaring at one of his new team-mates — a youngster tasked with extending Argentina’s dynasty — and twice barking out the mantra that has come to define his game: “Get stuck in!”

As ever, De Paul acted as both the engine and the emotional compass of Lionel Scaloni’s side, of which he is a cornerstone. His relentless intensity, tireless dedication and instinctive reading of the game embody many of the qualities that underpin La Albiceleste’s success.

Every bit Messi’s partner in crime, he runs, cajoles, inspires and protects, as well as being able to pick exactly the right moment to raise the tempo, steady the ship or ramp up the intensity levels. His influence extends far beyond his direct involvement in the play: it is also felt in his gestures, in every word he utters and in the unwavering commitment to the cause that has made him one of the defining figures of Scaloni’s tenure.

“It was a tough match; the scoreline flattered us a little and owes much to the our number 10,” the versatile virtuoso admitted in the mixed zone at Kansas City Stadium. “From what we’ve seen so far, there’s not all that much to choose between the teams, with some very physical sides. We spoke about it in the dressing room: we need to have the humility to stick it out together; we know there’ll be times when we won’t have the ball – that’s something all teams will encounter a lot during this World Cup. As long as we’re willing to chase and put in the hard yards out of possession – which is part and parcel of the game, after all – we’ll do just fine.”

It took De Paul just 90 minutes to prove that he has still got what it takes and to quieten the doubters that had emerged following his loan move to Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami last July, questioning his status as one of the first names on Scaloni’s team sheet. With the emergence of fledgling Argentinian midfielders who were excelling in European football, debate raged on social media as to whether one of the pillars of the reigning world champions and two-time CONMEBOL Copa America-winning side should still be guaranteed a place in the starting XI.

De Paul himself reflected on the rationale behind his stateside switch. “They’re all valid opinions. At the end of the day, it’s got everyone talking about football, which is the great thing. Given the way I play and what drives me, I know that the most important thing for my career is to for me to be playing football matches,” he explained. “That will enable me to be physically ready to deliver whatever the national team need from me. A year and a half ahead of the World Cup, I set myself the goal of getting more game time. And that’s what’s happening – I’m playing every three days and haven’t had any injuries. I headed into this tournament in better shape than ever.”

Within the Argentina camp, De Paul’s role in the side was never in doubt: he is a guaranteed starter. His coach and his team-mates alike all considered him to be irreplaceable, not just because of his all-round game or his chemistry with Messi, but also because of his ability to read the tempo of each match and his instinctive understanding of the team’s needs. Against Algeria, he more than repaid that belief and did it on the greatest stage of all.

“We don’t care about the league he’s playing in,” Scaloni retorted at a press conference. “What matters to us is performance. He’s playing really well. When he takes to the pitch, he delivers. He knows he can’t let up. During the hydration break, I told him to stay locked in. When he plays with that intensity, he’s a game changer and he proved that.”

De Paul’s contribution turned out to be pivotal once again. A standout performer on both sides of the pitch, he would have been a worthy winner of the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match award, were it not for the fact that Messi is in a league of his own. Showing devastating dedication, he consistently held his position on the right wing to support the full-back – first Gonzalo Montiel, then Nahuel Molina – against an attacking left flank featuring full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri and winger Fares Chaibi. When the time comes to stand firm, De Paul leads the way.

After that, with the ball at his feet, he was a constant source of support for La Pulga and unlocked the Algerian backline with a perfectly weighted through-ball that took five opponents out of play to put Messi through on goal. A grateful recipient, the unmarked magician turned and fired home the opener with an unstoppable left-footed strike. Just as in his early days, when he first made his mark as an exquisite playmaker at Racing Club, De Paul showcased his technical ability, awareness and vision. Since that time, the academy prospect has transformed into a real all-rounder.

FIFA’s post-match statistics underline his integral role. The midfield forager once again kept the team ticking over and was one of the key driving forces behind their attacking play. Against the North Africans, he made himself available to receive the ball on more occasions than any of his team-mates (77), and he also recorded the highest number of receptions in those situations. What’s more, he led the team by making runs between the lines, a sign of his ability to adjust his positioning, get into the thick of the action and always provide an outlet. He completed 49 of his 54 passes, with an accuracy rate of 91%, and capped off his performance with a dazzling display of physical prowess. Having covered 10.21km, he ran more metres at speeds above 25km/hour than any of his team-mates, coming second in terms of the number of sprints recorded.

The engine-room orchestrator’s constant involvement also explains why his partnership with Messi is so effective. De Paul picked out his captain nine times – more than any of Scaloni’s other charges apart from Alexis Mac Allister – and once again bridged the defence, the midfield and the main man. His influence was not limited to bagging an assist. It extended to something less visible but just as essential: always making himself available, occupying the spaces Messi needed and ensuring he had a passing lane. De Paul facilitates the flow of Argentina’s game, but also ensures that Messi can receive the ball with ease, more frequently and in areas where he still retains his ability to make a decisive impact.

The midfield mainstay is not only Messi’s team-mate and friend: he is also his right-hand man on the pitch. “It’s a real asset to have Leo, because of the way he manages the team and drives things forward, and because of the sort of guy he is,” De Paul commented. “He pays no heed to individual records; he puts the team first, and that’s invaluable to us. I get the feeling he’s enjoying himself, that he no longer feels the weight of that burden he carried for so long, and that he’s making the most of it. I think he’s in a really good place.”

The club-mates also worked together in Miami on a fitness programme to ensure they were in peak condition ahead of the global showpiece. “For the past two or three months, we’ve been following a daily training regime that supplements the sessions we do with the club,” the Argentinian ace revealed. “We both worked our fingers to the bone to be in the best possible shape; we were doing double shifts and our fitness coach put us through our paces. The plan was designed with the World Cup in mind.”

Having tasted World Cup glory once, the duo are hungry for more. Insatiable, voracious and relentless, they will continue writing a story that is worthy of the big screen, especially if they go on to capture back-to-back crowns on the global stage. “We’re here to compete and to keep working,” De Paul affirmed. “The aim is always to arrive on the first day and leave on the last. Anything can happen, but we must always stay true to our values.”