Rodrigo De Paul hits back at critics after Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain | OneFootball

Rodrigo De Paul has addressed Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, saluting supporters and confronting criticism of the team's conduct.

Argentina were beaten 0-1 after extra time on Sunday. The midfielder said in an Instagram post that the deepest pain was failing to bring the trophy home again, telling fans they were the ones who most deserved to relive that emotion.

He also acknowledged the fierce scrutiny of Lionel Scaloni's side during the tournament, with their behaviour often branded unsporting. He accused some of waiting for Argentina to fall and of pushing baseless conspiracy theories to soothe their own frustration, a nod to claims the knockout path was softer.

He argued that Argentina's smiles irritated people and their manner offended them, adding that passion and love for the shirt could overcome everything.

De Paul, 32, capped 94 times, won the 2022 title and now plays for Inter Miami alongside Lionel Messi after a 2021-2025 spell at Atlético Madrid. He will suffer for a long time, yet remains prouder than ever to be Argentinian.

Source: L'Équipe