Argentina midfielder, Rodrigo De Paul, has revealed that captain Lionel Messi promised him that he would take the team to the semifinal of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, adding that he should not risk his health during the tournament.
De Paul was an omnipresent figure in La Albiceleste’s midfield as Lionel Scaloni’s side won the World Cup after beating France on penalty in the final after the match ended 2-2 draw at the end of extra time.
The Atletico Madrid star, who was a doubt for the semifinal clash against Croatia, said via (El Universal):
“Yes, I was injured, Two days before the game.
“I felt something behind me, and yes, I had hurt myself. I didn’t break, I had a strain, which is like a grade 1.
“It was on the last play of training. I never I hadn’t injured or broken any muscle. When the play was over, the coach came up to me and asked me what happened to me.”
He added,
“[Messi told De Paul] ‘Rodri, don’t play stupid, ‘I promise I’ll take you to the semifinals, don’t risk it, you will most likely be left out.”
