Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul met David Beckham in Miami, sparking an array of quirky fan reactions across social media.
As Rodrigo de Paul, Lionel Messi’s informal ‘bodyguard,’ touched down in Miami, he was greeted by none other than David Beckham himself. The meeting between the Atlético Madrid midfielder and the English soccer icon led to a shared snapshot, later posted on Beckham’s Instagram.
This seemingly innocuous picture set the stage for a cascade of amusing fan commentary. A number of astute observers couldn’t help but notice an uncanny likeness between Rodrigo de Paul and Beckham.
De Paul has visited Messi and Beckham in Miami ❤️📸 pic.twitter.com/jYMPGpaTvU
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) August 9, 2023
Their strikingly similar appearances prompted some playful jests, with fans humorously suggesting that the midfielder “looks like Beckham’s son.” The jests didn’t stop there, as a few even jocularly proposed the idea of a DNA test to unravel the mystery.
Upon closer examination, the Argentine midfielder does indeed bear a resemblance to Beckham, with shared features particularly evident in their smiles.
The intriguing aspect is how two midfielders hailing from distinct nations exhibit such uncanny visual parallels at disparate points in their lives. It serves as a testament to Beckham’s age-defying appearance that he can be likened to a 29-year-old counterpart.
Rodrigo de Paul claimed he would go to war for Lionel Messi
Rodrigo de Paul, the midfield stalwart, has earned the nickname ‘bodyguard’ from Lionel Messi’s devoted fan base. This moniker stems from his unwavering presence and actions both on and off the soccer pitch while representing Argentina alongside Messi.
Known for his robust and tenacious play style, Rodrigo de Paul assumes the role of a commanding figure in the heart of the field. His ability to execute tough tackles and thwart opponents aligns with his secondary role as a guardian, protecting Messi from the relentless challenges of rival players during matches.
Away from the stadium lights, his vocal and passionate support for Lionel Messi has fueled the legend of his ‘bodyguard’ status. The midfielder’s has previously claimed that he would go to war for Lionel Messi.
How do you not know world cup winner Rodrigo De Paul?
A key player in Argentina’s midfield and the personal body guard of Lionel Messi. https://t.co/kXhaJIGcSP pic.twitter.com/BuaSOqz0ve
— Radman (@Radmanx23) August 3, 2023
Since his introduction to the national team in 2018, de Paul has been an inseparable companion to Messi on the pitch, mirroring the dynamics of a shadow. This camaraderie flourished notably during Argentina’s triumphant campaign in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the midfielder played an integral role in leading the charge against opponents under the captaincy of Messi.
As the playful notion of de Paul being Messi’s ‘bodyguard’ circulates in the realm of social media and tabloids, the midfielder takes these jests in stride, often participating in the light-hearted banter that accompanies this endearing title.