De Paul posted on his personal social media, expressing his gratitude and respect for Messi. He reflected on the pressure, doubts, and championship moments they shared with the Argentine national team, and stated that he has always wished all Argentines could truly understand Messi beyond the football pitch.

De Paul wrote: "For years, there's been one thing I've always wanted to achieve: for every Argentine to truly understand what kind of person you really are. To know you when the cameras are off, when you're not on the pitch, to know the real you, just as you are.

You never really liked all that. You always felt that your boots were your best way of expressing yourself, and the pitch was where you had to prove all your feelings for this country. And I was lucky enough to see everything behind all of that.

Every training camp, every night before a final, and the pressure, fear, doubt, and criticism. I saw you go through moments that would be unbearable for anyone else, and I also saw you rise the next day and keep going. You never made excuses, never blamed anyone, and never needed to explain to anyone who you really are.

Because if there's one thing that never changed about you, it's your love for this shirt, for this country. This love is what made you rise again and again, even when it seemed there was nothing left to prove.

So everything you've done for the national team is far more than just the goals and championships we won... even though that's already so much, haha.

I always hoped people would admire you for your character, and not just for what you do on the pitch. Those of us who know you realize you're incredibly great on the pitch, but even greater off it.

And I think Argentina finally knows that now too.

I don't know if there's any other player and country that could have a love story as big as the one you've created. Being able to experience all of this by your side is a memory I'll treasure for life.

Seeing you lead us with the number 10 jersey and the captain's armband, it felt like you were always protecting us. No matter what happened, we knew there was someone at the front who would give everything for us.

And we did it, brother. We became world champions.

After all these years, I'm slowly beginning to understand that perhaps the most beautiful thing wasn't just lifting that trophy, but that we never lost sight of who we really are. The laughter, the journey, the training camps, and the things no one sees—that's what matters most to me.

I'm truly so fortunate to have been by your side during one of the most important moments in our history. Thank you for everything you've done for us, for Argentina.

And thank you for letting me know the Leo that I've always wanted everyone to know. The Leo who doesn't need the number 10 jersey, doesn't need the captain's armband, and doesn't need to be on the pitch to be a giant.

I love you, brother.

What an honor it's been to experience all of this with you! 🇦🇷❤️"

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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