@goatmessilionelRodrigo De Paul sat down with Dave Jones to talk about Lionel Messi stepping away from international football, and the whole conversation was just heavy. Dave Jones started by confirming that Messi has officially retired and then asked De Paul how he is actually processing the departure after sharing Argentina's greatest triumphs together on the pitch. De Paul described the news as heartbreaking, noting that while the day was expected, its arrival was emotionally difficult in a way that hit him hard. He talked about pausing, his eyes shining, tears spilling, sniffling, and his voice cracking as he tried to get the words out. De Paul identified the quiet moments of their bond, such as sharing mate in the mornings and discussing families, as what he will miss most without Messi. He said sitting together in the mornings sharing mate, talking about our families, laughing before the pressure of the world hit us are the things he misses the most. On the pitch, he stated that Messi made everything feel safe and that everyone knew everything would be okay when he was present. You'd look at him, and you just knew everything was going to be okay. De Paul expressed pride in having run and fought for Messi and shared those moments, saying he is so proud I got to run for him, to fight for him, and to share those moments. He affirmed that Messi gave his entire life to their country, emphasizing that he gave his entire life to our country. Despite the heartbreak of his retirement, De Paul characterized Messi as a brother, feeling blessed to call him my brother even though his heart breaks that it's over.

@goatmessilionelRodrigo De Paul sat down with Dave Jones to talk about Lionel Messi stepping away from international football, and the whole conversation was just heavy. Dave Jones started by confirming that Messi has officially retired and then asked De Paul how he is actually processing the departure after sharing Argentina's greatest triumphs together on the pitch. De Paul described the news as heartbreaking, noting that while the day was expected, its arrival was emotionally difficult in a way that hit him hard. He talked about pausing, his eyes shining, tears spilling, sniffling, and his voice cracking as he tried to get the words out. De Paul identified the quiet moments of their bond, such as sharing mate in the mornings and discussing families, as what he will miss most without Messi. He said sitting together in the mornings sharing mate, talking about our families, laughing before the pressure of the world hit us are the things he misses the most. On the pitch, he stated that Messi made everything feel safe and that everyone knew everything would be okay when he was present. You'd look at him, and you just knew everything was going to be okay. De Paul expressed pride in having run and fought for Messi and shared those moments, saying he is so proud I got to run for him, to fight for him, and to share those moments. He affirmed that Messi gave his entire life to their country, emphasizing that he gave his entire life to our country. Despite the heartbreak of his retirement, De Paul characterized Messi as a brother, feeling blessed to call him my brother even though his heart breaks that it's over.