Messi's Joy Fuels Argentina: De Paul on World Cup Semifinal vs England

FIFA World Cup 2026: "Seeing Messi happy makes me very happy" Rodrigo De Paul ahead of SF against England

Georgia, July 15

Speaking to reporters ahead of Argentina's World Cup semifinal against England, De Paul said Messi's current mindset has been one of the highlights of the tournament.

"Seeing him (Messi) enjoying himself makes me really happy, considering everything he's been through with this jersey and everything he's had to fight for," De Paul said, as quoted by Reuters.

"I think this World Cup has found him truly enjoying himself. Of course, we all know his mentality, how he prepares, and how he approaches every game. But I see him happy and enjoying it, and as a friend, that makes me very happy," he added.

Looking ahead to the semifinal, the Argentina midfielder acknowledged England's quality and said the team's focus was on staying prepared for the challenge.

"We have plenty of concerns, of course, because we're facing a great team. They have many top-class players, and I think they have a great coach as well," De Paul said, as quoted by Reuters.

"Those concerns simply keep us focused. We spend our time making sure they're under control," he added.

With a place in the World Cup final at stake, De Paul said the opportunity itself was enough motivation for the defending champions.

"Being just one step away from playing in another World Cup final... there's no greater motivation than that," he said.

"Everyone loves playing in a World Cup. Every match is a final; that's always how we've approached it. We're facing a team we've never played before, a powerhouse that has done very well in this World Cup, just like the other four teams still here. It's going to be a great match," he added.

De Paul also spoke about his excitement ahead of the knockout clash, saying the squad was focused on remaining calm while embracing the occasion.

"I'm very happy and full of adrenaline. Personally, I really enjoy these kinds of matches. I'm trying to fully experience the moment without letting emotions overwhelm us. So we're putting a lot of thought into preparing for tomorrow's game, especially staying calm and level-headed," he said.

England and Argentina have not met in a competitive fixture since the 2002 FIFA World Cup, when England claimed a 1-0 victory.

More than two decades later, Messi now has the opportunity to script his own chapter in the storied rivalry as Argentina chase a place in the final and bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.

— ANI