Rodrigo De Paul has lost his place in Argentina's core national team setup. The 32-year-old midfielder was absent from the squad's first open training session after the World Cup, a clear signal of his exclusion from the main group shaping the future.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni has called up De Paul only for Lionel Messi's farewell match against Benin on October 6. "They are coming only for the last match because we want to see other kids, as happened in the past with Fideo (Di María)", Scaloni explained, while adding that "the doors are not closed under any circumstances". This decision marks a turning point for the player with the most appearances under the manager.
A pillar of the winning era
De Paul was instrumental in winning four titles under Scaloni, including the World Cup, where he started the decisive final. His relationship with the coach has been close since his debut in 2018. Before his controversial move from Atlético Madrid to Inter Miami, the player himself consulted Scaloni about the impact on his international career. "I know what you can give me on a pitch.", was the coach's reply.
However, the switch to Major League Soccer appears to have been decisive. De Paul himself acknowledged that playing in the United States is not the same as competing in Spain, and his game, built on intensity and physical rhythm, began to show cracks. The first signs came in the pre-World Cup friendlies at La Bombonera, where his involvement diminished.
The team's current context
Scaloni is now exploring other options in midfield, a process happening while Argentina tops their World Cup qualifying group with 9 points from three wins. The team, which faces its next official match against Bolivia on October 1st, is looking to renew itself after Messi's departure, the season's top scorer with 8 goals.
Messi's exit also alters the dressing room dynamic, where De Paul was one of his main allies alongside Leandro Paredes, who is suspended for ten matches. This situation gives Scaloni more flexibility to test new names, though the coach values the midfielder's influence in the group. De Paul has made clear he never considered retiring from the national team, so his return will depend on recapturing the form that made him indispensable. His next appearance will be in the tribute to Messi next week.
The original report is at La Nacion AR Deportes
