Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul has revealed an interesting conversation he had with Lionel Messi during the 2022 World Cup. It has been almost a year since Messi’s Argentina held the World Cup trophy aloft in Qatar. However, what turned out to be the greatest moment of Messi’s career could have almost been his greatest failure.
Heading into the 2022 World Cup, Argentina was touted to be one of the favorites to win the tournament. Moreover, Argentina was also fresh from winning the Copa America in 2021 and arrived in Qatar on a 36-game unbeaten run. However, Argentina shockingly lost in the opening fixture of the World Cup against the most unlikely team, Saudi Arabia.
Rodrigo de Paul:
“After our match against Saudi Arabia, I spoke to Messi and told him:
‘the WC for us can only last 5 days if we don’t win against Mexico..’
“the Mexico match could be your last match in the World Cup.”
He responded with
“it’s not the last”
🥶🐐 pic.twitter.com/o288Iw9pF7— Pulga 💫 (@pulgafutbol) November 27, 2023
Despite Lionel Messi‘s 10th-minute penalty, Saudi Arabia scored two quickfire goals in the second half to win the match 2-1. After the match, while Argentina’s camp was cast by a shadow of doubt, Rodrigo de Paul revealed how Messi remained unfazed. De Paul revealed that he was talking with Messi about how Argentina’s World Cup could end in just five days.
He reportedly said to Messi, “The Mexico match could be your last match in the World Cup.” However, the Argentine skipper simply responded, “It’s not the last.” Messi’s bone-chilling words ultimately proved to be true as Argentina defeated Mexico in the next game. They went on to win the rest of their remaining games and defeated France in an exhilarating final to be crowned as the World Champions.
Saudi Arabia coach’s bold prediction about Lionel Messi and Argentina proved to be true
During the 2022 World Cup, Saudi Arabia carried out one of the biggest upsets in soccer history. Against all odds, the underdogs defeated the heavyweights Argentina 2-1 in the first game of the World Cup. However, the mastermind behind Saudi Arabia’s memorable victory was none other than their coach, Herve Renard. After going down early in the first half, Saudi Arabia came back in the second half to win the match.
Following the match, a clip of the Saudi Arabian dressing room during half-time emerged. In the clip, Renard could be spotted exploding and motivating his players to win the match. Renard’s team talk worked like a charm as Saleh Alshehri and Salem Aldawsari’s goals inspired Saudi Arabia’s comeback. However, despite the victory, Herve Renard made a bold prediction about Argentina after the game.
Saudi Arabia coach Hervé Renard: “Argentina are going to advance out of the group stage and will be champions.” Via Olé. 🇸🇦🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/eXelOknVoV
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) November 22, 2022
Renard admitted that his team has created history in the World Cup by defeating Argentina. However, Renard tipped Argentina to advance out of the group stage and go on to win the World Cup. Ultimately, Renard’s prediction proved to be true. Currently, Herve Renard has left the Saudi Arabian national team and is in charge of France women’s national team.