Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has detailed what impact Lionel Messi has made for the South American giants at the Copa America.
The 37-year-old attacker added to his record-breaking trophy cabinet on Sunday as Argentina beat Colombia in the Copa America final, though Messi himself was forced off injured after suffering an ankle injury due to bad turf.
With this summer’s competition likely to be Messi’s last in Argentina colors, the Inter Miami captain’s influence with the national team felt as strong as ever, with his teammates all rushing to celebrate with the veteran attacker when Lautaro Martinez scored the winner in extra-time.
And De Paul has shared how Messi has impacted Argentina at this summer’s Copa America.
Messi’s presence has lifted Argentina’s spirits at the Copa America
Speaking to TyC Sports after the win, De Paul highlighted how Messi just being in the squad and at the tournament with Argentina was big in raising morale and expectations for Lionel Scaloni’s side.
With Messi’s fitness a huge talking point this year, the Inter Miami star actually playing regular at the Copa America was quite the sight given how many games the forward has missed this season due to various problems.
And whilst Messi ended the tournament injured, it’s clear that the 37-year-old dug deep to be as available as he could be for the Copa America, with the forward playing a key role in Argentina going all the way.
De Paul said on Messi’s impact for Argentina at this summer’s Copa America: “I know Leo, I know how he thinks, what he wants the most is to be on the pitch and be able to help us and defend us from there. For him to be a part of us is the best thing.”
Argentina will struggle to replace Messi in the years to come
Replacing a player as big as Messi isn’t easy, with FC Barcelona only really coming to this realization some three years after the Argentine left Catalonia, and Argentina face a similar struggle.
Whilst the South American nation have the quality to replace Messi for the time being, the long-term implications of the Inter Miami star leaving the national team will be felt for years to come.
And based on De Paul’s comments, Argentina are still heavily influenced by Messi’s presence, with the 37-year-old controlling a significant amount of power with the national team when involved.