“The greatest pain comes from the fact that we couldn’t bring the World Cup back to our country once again, because if anyone deserved to experience that feeling again, it was all of you,” De Paul stated through a post on his Instagram account. “But as the hours go by, we begin to realize that the connection you have with this group goes far beyond the trophy, and that’s something I want to hold on to as I try to get through this moment.

“Today I look at how many people were waiting for us to fall, spending the entire World Cup pushing baseless conspiracy theories just to ease the pain of not being able to experience what every Argentine was living, because our smiles bother them, because the way we are gets under their skin. But all of that only reaffirmed that the passion and love we have for our jersey can overcome anything. This will hurt me for a long time, but today more than ever, I am proud to be Argentine.”

Argentina react to the loss

De Paul has been the latest to post a heartfelt message on social media. Shortly after Lionel Messi admitted the World Cup final loss would be tough to overcome, Lautaro Martinez followed with another post by confessing he would’ve loved to play in the 2026 World Cup final.

De Paul has now joined his teammates in sending a message to the millions of fans not only in Argentina, but all over the world. And he also made something clear to those who are against Argentina while he was at it.

Conspiracies against Argentina

Unfortunately, that’s the sad side of the FIFA World Cup. As the entire world tunes in to watch soccer’s biggest tournament, fake news runs rampant and fans who don’t know any better are taken advantage of. This time around, most of the buzz surrounded an anti-Argentina campaign that was impossible to miss on social media. Episodes like Egypt’s complaint to FIFA after the Round of 16 did little to ease the tension.

Several outlets claimed FIFA wanted Argentina to win, and even Cristiano Ronaldo liked a post blasting FIFA and accusing Argentina of being favored. Clearly, the Argentines heard it all, and since they couldn’t prove the rest of the world wrong, it stings. In more ways than one, the final against Spain felt like Argentina against the world, and they couldn’t get it done.

La Furia Roja were simply too much for La Albiceleste to handle, and untimely injuries and red cards sounded the death knell for Argentina’s back-to-back quest. Still, they left the tournament with their heads held high and no regrets. Just as De Paul admitted how proud he is to be Argentine, the same feeling swells the chests of more than 40 million Argentines.

De Paul’s 2026 World Cup

Final outcome aside, it wasn’t a good World Cup for Rodrigo De Paul, with many pointing to the fact that he left Europe’s elite leagues to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. Aside from a good second-half cameo against England, there were few highlights for De Paul during the 2026 World Cup, and instead he was one of the most disappointing players in the final.

Known for always saving his best for his country, it simply wasn’t his tournament, and his lackluster performance in midfield, which added to an overall crisis in that area of the pitch, was a big reason why Argentina struggled as much as they did during the World Cup. Because that’s the other side of it: although they reached the final, Argentina was under duress throughout the tournament and looked nothing like the side that dominated in 2022.

“You know, I have a lot of respect for Inter Miami,” Berhalter said in response to Bolavip during his Monday press conference. “They have a great squad, they’ll most likely be missing a couple players in (Lionel) Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, although you never know with Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, I wouldn’t be surprised if they somehow played in the game.“

Messi and De Paul are among the Argentine players who didn’t fly back to Buenos Aires after the World Cup final, in which a 10-man Albiceleste side lost to Spain 1-0 in extra time.

However, neither of them is expected to return to club action soon. Messi went back to his native Rosario to rest and spend time with his family after a grueling World Cup run, whereas De Paul’s immediate plans remain unknown.

Lewandowski expected to make MLS debut with Chicago in Miami

Despite Berhalter’s cautious approach, Messi and De Paul are most likely to miss Inter Miami’s first games after the World Cup. Meanwhile, Lewandowski is expected to make his MLS debut for Chicago in Miami.

“We’ll see on Wednesday how long he can play,” Berhalter said of the Pole superstar, who arrived in the Windy City as a free agent after his contract with FC Barcelona expired.

Asked by Bolavip if Lewandowski’s arrival puts Chicago on the same level or at least closer to the defending MLS Cup champions, Berhalter said Wednesday’s game could be a good measuring stick, even if Messi and De Paul don’t play.

“Well, we’re going to see on Wednesday night where we are, right?” Berhalter said. “But for us, we just want to keep getting better. One thing I can tell you about Robert is, (he has a) tremendous work rate. When you think about a guy coming into the team who was jet lagged all last week, and he’s pushing the guys in training. We’re doing fitness stuff, he’s pushing that, he’s doing extra work.

“So you can see why he’s been a pro, and you can see why he’s scored more goals than anyone in Europe in the last 15 years, because he’s an absolute pro on the field and in the training sessions. He’s been high quality, scoring goals, and he looks like a great player.”

Kickoff between Inter Miami (9-4-2, second in the East with 31 points in 15 games) and Chicago Fire (8-2-4, third with 26 points in 14 games) is set for Wednesday, July 22, at 7:30 PM (ET) at Nu Stadium in Miami.

The No. 7 had been one of the pillars of La Albiceleste‘s midfield, but for this crucial match at Atlanta Stadium, the manager decided to adjust the tactical setup in order to withstand England’s attacking pressure.

That being said, this will be the starting XI that Scaloni will field for this match, which will be officiated by referee Ismail Elfath: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Giuliano Simeone, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi (C), Julian Alvarez.

Argentina’s future depends solely on whether they win, tie, or lose against England, a team that will have Declan Rice available. Lionel Messi and his teammates are looking to secure their place in New York next Sunday.

England have their absences

Although Jude Bellingham is starting once again for his national team, Thomas Tuchel knows that he will be without an important defender for this match.

Jarrell Quansah will miss this crucial match because he still has to serve another suspension game after being sent off in the Round of 16 against Mexico. He had previously served the first match of his ban in the quarterfinals against Norway.

While many are focused on external factors, such as the British media’s reaction to the referee assignment for Argentina vs. England, Scaloni is nose-deep in tactical analysis. According to Argentine reporter Diego Monroig of ESPN, Scaloni is holding a three-man competition for a spot in midfield. The contenders are De Paul, Giuliano Simeone, and Nicolas Gonzalez.

De Paul has been one of the most criticized players on the roster so far at the 2026 World Cup, as he’s looked a step off and hasn’t been the engine of the team as he usually is. Simeone has played just one game at the 2026 World Cup (against Jordan in the group stage). As for Gonzalez, he’s been the first substitute in virtually every game, but he has yet to make a start.

Whoever earns the position will likely play in midfield close to the touchline, with the task of covering the entire flank—an area where England can do a lot of damage from. If Gonzalez starts, he will likely do so on the left side of the field, while De Paul or Simeone would line up on the right.

If De Paul is benched, Argentina face three options

In the event that Scaloni does indeed take De Paul out of Argentina’s starting XI, there are three possible scenarios, according to ESPN’s Leo Paradizo. One alternative is to have Gonzalez enter the starting lineup in place of De Paul but on the left side, while Alexis Mac Allister shifts to the right. Argentina would line up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Leandro Paredes and Enzo Fernandez completing the midfield.

Another option is for Simeone to replace De Paul on the right side of midfield, while Mac Allister moves to the left. Argentina would keep its current tactical setup, which is a hybrid of a 4-4-2 and a 4-1-3-2 formation.

The third and final option, according to reports, is for Exequiel Palacios to earn the starting job, adding another possession-oriented midfielder to a crucial area of the pitch. Although Palacios appears to be a step behind Simeone and Gonzalez, he is a different type of player than the two wingers. If Scaloni wants to go with a different player profile to replace De Paul, Palacios is the leading option.

De Paul’s comments

Ahead of the long-awaited showdown against England, De Paul shared a candid statement about his emotions leading up to a game unlike any other the national team has played before. Just like Lionel Messi was 14 years old the last time Argentina and England met in a World Cup, De Paul was only 8 in 2002. Needless to say, this game has been a long time coming.

“Tomorrow’s game will be unique. I can’t wait to play. I love these kind of games, they motivate me, and bring out so many emotions in me,” De Paul admitted to reporters on Tuesday. “[England’s] a team I’ve never faced before. I’m experiencing this with a lot of joy and excitement. I can’t wait for tomorrow to arrive.”

La Albiceleste‘s starting lineup features several fresh faces who have seen limited playing time so far. Lionel Messi, for example, will also begin the match on the bench and is expected to play some minutes in the second half.

These are the 11 players who will start for the reigning World Cup champions: Emiliano Martinez; Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Otamendi (C), Marcos Senesi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Exequiel Palacios, Leandro Paredes, Giovanni Lo Celso; Nicolas Paz; Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez.

Argentina already know their Round of 32 opponent

Following the results of the final Matchday in Group H, Argentina now know they will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32. The African side played out a scoreless draw against Saudi Arabia and, combined with Uruguay’s defeat to Spain, secured second place in the group.

The match is scheduled for Friday, July 3, at 6:00 p.m. ET. It will be played at Miami Stadium, home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.

“I talk to Leo a lot about the World Cup and the excitement we have. For the past two or three months, we’ve been preparing for it with a training plan that goes beyond what we do at the club,” De Paul revealed in an interview with Lo del Pollo

Furthermore, De Paul indicated that they are undergoing a grueling double-shift physical training program designed to ensure they arrive in peak condition. “We are both pushing ourselves physically to arrive in the best possible shape; we set a double-shift routine for ourselves and we have our own trainer—we’re putting in the work and doing well. It’s separate work from the club with the World Cup in mind,” the Argentine midfielder added.

The Argentine captain previously noted that his participation in North America would depend on how he feels physically day by day. However, his inclusion in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup preliminary roster, combined with De Paul’s revelation, suggests there is a high probability he will defend the title he won in 2022.

De Paul signed with Inter Miami because of Messi

When De Paul’s departure from Atletico Madrid was imminent, rumors linked him to various teams across several leagues, including within Europe. The midfielder noted that despite all the offers, the opportunity to play alongside Messi was one he could not pass up.

“There were a lot of clubs and places, but there is one thing that surpasses all of that, and that is playing next to the greatest of all time (Messi),” De Paul stated. “Anyone would want to live that opportunity; I couldn’t let a situation like that pass, especially being his friend”.

Messi chasing his sixth World Cup appearance

Should Messi confirm his presence in the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, he will become the only player in history to have competed in six editions of the World Cup.

However, he may not be alone in this record. His long-time rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, is also expected to make his sixth appearance for Portugal, while there is also a possibility that Guillermo Ochoa could join them. According to reports from Mexico, his presence in North America is almost a certainty.

On Instagram, De Paul uploaded a reposted image of Messi and himself with the following message: “My friend and my idol! Thank you for teaching me and helping me fulfill every one of my dreams!” De Paul added, along with a red heart emoji. “Always by your side no matter what,” De Paul concluded.

What was also curious about this post was the song that accompanied it, “Nos Veremos Otra Vez” (We’ll meet again) by Seru Giran. The title generated doubts about what he meant by the message, but there was context behind it. De Paul reposted his own publication, where he uploaded several photos of things that mattered in his life, and he reposted each one with a different message. There were photos of his children, his girlfriend, soccer, and his brother.

De Paul doubtful for the World Cup?

That was one of the doubts being raised. De Paul had received a lot of criticism since arriving at Inter Miami, regarding his performances, which put his call-up with Argentina into question, and whether he would really be part of the squad for the 2026 World Cup.

But it was almost a fact that he would be there. De Paul is a key piece in Scaloni’s system, and he was a player who had always received criticism but had still been called up and proved that with Argentina, he was a completely different player who performed without any doubts.

Messi and De Paul’s last match

In Inter Miami’s last match, where Messi and De Paul shared the field, Messi scored one goal and delivered two assists to become the fastest player to reach 100 goal contributions in MLS history, and Inter Miami defeated Toronto FC 4-2 on Saturday to extend their road winning streak to six matches.

De Paul scored and provided two assists to help Inter Miami recover from a 4-3 home loss against Orlando City after leading 3-0. The club had three draws and one loss at home since moving to Nu Stadium.

De Paul scored after a free kick and a rebound in 44′ minute to give Inter Miami a 1-0 lead. The midfielder controlled the ball after it bounced off the wall and hit a second shot that struck the left post and went into the net.

Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed the availability of both stars during a press conference ahead of the Round of 16 second leg. “Leo and Rodrigo are in perfect condition, as is everyone except Maxi [Falcon],” Mascherano stated, noting that the defender is the squad’s only injury concern.

Following a scoreless draw in the first leg, Inter Miami face a high-stakes scenario at Chase Stadium. Due to the away goals rule, Nashville hold a tiebreaker advantage; any scored draw (such as 1–1 or 2–2) would result in Messi and Inter Miami being eliminated from the competition.

Mascherano explains Messi and De Paul’s absences

The absence of the Argentine duo was palpable, as the squad lacked the offensive spark typically provided by Messi and the high-intensity presence De Paul brings to the midfield.

According to Mascherano, the decision to rest both players was a preventative measure due to their heavy workload. Both stars have endured a grueling schedule, featuring in nine matches over just a six-week span.

“Clearly, Rodrigo and Leo did not travel; it was a decision we made together with them,” Mascherano explained during a press conference. “We were coming off a lot of travel and games on synthetic turf. We preferred for them to avoid the trip and rest. It was nine games in a month and a half”.

The return of these two players provide a significant boost to Inter Miami’s production. Messi is the team’s leading scorer this season, with three goals in three MLS appearances this season. Meanwhile, De Paul is a dual-threat in the midfield who, has recorded one goal in three league matches while providing vital defensive cover.

In an interview with Marca, the Argentine midfielder raised eyebrows by claiming, “I think it is more difficult to win MLS than the Champions League. You have to play all the time perfectly. It sounds crazy, but the MLS format is really difficult.”

It was ironic to some observers that De Paul made that claim, considering he never won a Champions League title during his time in Europe. MLS operates as a league format followed by playoffs, while the Champions League, despite recent structural changes, remains a continental cup competition. The contrast between formats makes the comparison complex.

De Paul arrived at Inter Miami last season in a transfer reportedly worth $15 million, signing a three-year contract to team up with Messi. Having won the MLS Cup title in 2025, the Herons start their title defense on Saturday, February 21, against Los Angeles FC.

MLS and a format that does not forgive

The Argentine midfielder focused on the competitive structure of MLS to defend his argument, highlighting a long and demanding regular season that rewards consistency, followed by single-elimination playoffs. Dominating the regular season guarantees nothing once the postseason begins. One mistake can send teams home.

De Paul, who has played in the UEFA Champions League but never lifted the trophy, argued that the European format, with a league phase and two-leg knockout rounds, offers more margin for error. Over two matches, teams can recover from a poor performance, something that is not always possible in the MLS playoffs.

He also pointed to logistical challenges in the United States, where travel distances are significantly longer, and weather conditions vary dramatically compared to Europe. In addition, the salary cap system in MLS is designed to promote parity among teams, unlike the financial imbalance often seen in European competitions.

De Paul’s best Champions League result

De Paul does not have a Champions League title to reinforce his argument. The furthest Rodrigo De Paul advanced in the UEFA Champions League was the quarterfinals, a stage he reached twice with Atletico Madrid during the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons.

In the 2023-24 edition, De Paul played a key role by scoring in the first leg of the quarterfinal against Borussia Dortmund. However, Atletico Madrid were eliminated on aggregate, once again falling short of a semifinal appearance in Europe’s top club competition.

The Herons are showing strong interest in signing Giovani Lo Celso ahead of the next transfer window. According to journalist Gaston Edul, Inter Miami are monitoring the situation closely and are willing to submit a formal offer. At this stage, however, negotiations have not progressed and no proposal has reached Real Betis.

The Rosario-born midfielder started the current season as a regular contributor, although he has lost prominence in recent weeks. He has already appeared in 20 matches, scoring two goals and providing two assists, remaining a useful option within the Betis midfield rotation under Manuel Pellegrini.

Significant Argentine presence at Inter Miami

If the move goes through, Lo Celso would become the eighth Argentine on Inter Miami’s roster, joining Messi, Tadeo Allende, Mateo Silvetti, Rodrigo De Paul, Gonzalo Lujan, Tomas Aviles, and Oscar Ustari. The Argentine core continues to shape the identity of the squad as the club prepares for the upcoming season.

It is also worth noting that the loan deals of Rocco Rios Novo, Baltasar Rodriguez, and Marcelo Weigandt have already ended. In addition, the Herons are exploring the possibility of adding Facundo Mura, who is also drawing interest from River Plate.

Lo Celso’s need for playing time

While talks remain quiet, a path forward could open quickly due to Lo Celso’s situation at Sevilla. At 29, after a strong 2024, his 2025 campaign is marked by inconsistency and muscular injuries that limit his continuity. He logged just 83 minutes across the last four matches, a scenario that could ease a potential exit.

Beyond sporting reasons, Betis are also looking to free up salary space to pursue a new striker, making Lo Celso’s sale a viable financial solution. For the midfielder, a move to the United States offers a clear incentive, as it would allow him to reunite daily with Messi and De Paul while regaining the competitive rhythm needed to stay on the radar of Lionel Scaloni ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Inter Miami are viewed as a destination that could provide immediate starts. The club sees Lo Celso as a potential replacement for Tadeo Allende, who is set to return to Celta de Vigo after his loan spell, and as part of a roster that continues to add depth. The Herons have already completed the signing of Sergio Reguilon and are close to securing Canadian goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, reinforcing a squad that shows no signs of slowing down.

Tom Bogert of The Athletic reported that Inter Miami will, indeed, pick up Rodrigo De Paul‘s purchase option that is worth around the $17 million mark. De Paul will now have one of the three DP spots on the roster, the other being Messi.

With Messi and De Paul as DPs, the team now has one DP spot open to go and sign another franchise player. This could open the chance for striker Luis Suarez to be back on the team. According to Inter Miami’s website, the team is in ongoing negotiations to bring the Uruguayan back.

Is De Paul worth the big money?

De Paul was an integral part of this team since his arrival from Atletico Madrid. De Paul is 31 years old, so he is still very much in his prime, albeit the latter parts of it. The Argentinian midfielder is an absolute tank, has cardio for days, great hustle, a very educated right foot, and he is the prototype of an elite box-to-box midfielder.

Not only that, but it’s well known that De Paul is one of Messi’s closest friends, so it helps both DPs are as close to one another as they can. Them being great friends is good for the locker room and the motivation of the team. Last but not least, Inter Miami’s manager is also Argentinian. Hence, for Javier Mascherano, it’s easier to communicate to De Paul as he is the heart and lungs of this team. All in all, it’s more than worth it.

De Paul and Messi know next season is really important

Next season is crucial for both players for so many reasons. First and foremost, they are the ones in charge to defend their MLS Cup title. Secondly, Inter Miami will play at the Concacaf Champions Cup, where the team is favored by many to win it all.

Thirdly, next year is a World Cup year, and Argentina will defend its title. The tournament is in the United States, something that plays in favor of Messi and De Paul as they will know the pitches very well. Then, both players being in great form will surely be a priority for the Argentinian side.