Messi Backs De Paul After Squad Omission
Lionel Messi liked an Instagram video praising Rodrigo De Paul's national team role after the midfielder was left out of Argentina's November squad.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Soccer
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Lionel Messi liked an Instagram clip from content creator @federacchi defending Rodrigo De Paul after the midfielder was omitted from Lionel Scaloni's squad for the November FIFA window. It was the first FIFA window without Messi in the Argentina squad.
Why it matters
The public show of support highlights the close relationship between two teammates who also play together at Inter Miami and comes amid criticism of De Paul's conduct during his national team tenure. It underscores how squad selection decisions can prompt reactions from senior players.
Messi's age is 32, and the November FIFA window was the first international window without him in the Argentina squad. The source does not provide Scaloni's stated reasons for excluding De Paul.
The players
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is an Argentine forward and captain of the national team, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in soccer history.
Rodrigo De Paul
Rodrigo De Paul is an Argentine midfielder who plays for Inter Miami alongside Messi and has been a regular in Argentina's national team.
Lionel Scaloni
Lionel Scaloni is the head coach of the Argentina national team, responsible for the squad selections that led to Messi's and De Paul's recent roles.
The details
Messi liked an Instagram video from @federacchi praising De Paul's role in the national team after Scaloni left De Paul out of the squad for the November FIFA window. In a 2023 interview, Messi said De Paul helped integrate veterans and young players.
Timeline
2023: Messi praised De Paul's role integrating players in an interview.
November 2026: De Paul was omitted from Argentina's squad for the FIFA window.
Season Trajectory
This news comes as the November FIFA window marks the first international cycle without Messi in the Argentina squad, changing the team's leadership dynamic. Rodrigo De Paul's omission follows a period of public criticism directed at his national team tenure.
De Paul's exclusion removes a midfield option from Argentina's next squad, shaping which players fans will see in upcoming international matches. Messi and De Paul's shared Inter Miami roster means their on-field partnership continues in MLS play.
The takeaway
Public gestures between teammates can signal internal dynamics that go beyond official squad announcements. Readers following Argentina's national team can watch how De Paul's role evolves in the coming windows.
Further reading
For more on the sport, explore the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by World Soccer Talk.
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