Vidal slams De Paul, threatens: "If I see him, I'll go in hard" | OneFootball

Except for Lionel Messi, with whom he has a close and respectful relationship since their years in Barcelona, Arturo Vidal gets along like cats and dogs with several players from the Argentine National Team. Especially with Rodrigo De Paul, who is histrionic, straightforward, and provocative like him. Months ago, he had already underestimated him, and now he doubled down and went all out.

Without holding back and with a sharp tongue, the experienced Chilean midfielder was interviewed on Enfocados, the relaxed program of Peruvians Jefferson Farfán and Roberto Guizasola, and he didn't hesitate to criticize the "Little Engine" of the Scaloneta.

When asked if there is any player he doesn't like, King Arturo didn't hesitate: "In the last match with Argentina, with De Paul. I have him there for being cocky." He even launched a strong threat: "If I run into him, I'll give him a hard one."

In mid-2025, the National Team visited Chile, won 1-0 in the South American Qualifiers, and both had a separate duel, with sparks and spicy gestures. At the end of the first half, De Paul went to talk to Vidal and received a shove. They exchanged words and, laughing, the Argentine made a first gesture with his hands, as if typing on a keyboard, and a second with a TV signal, alluding to watching the World Cup from the comfort of his home.

So much resentment remained with the Colo-Colo leader that, when choosing between his level and that of his Argentine "enemy," he made it clear there is no comparison: "It's a joke, right?"

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.