De Paul warns Argentina not to look past Cabo Verde

Rodrigo De Paul urged Argentina to stay focused on their round-of-16 match against Cabo Verde, warning that looking ahead would be a mistake. The midfielder, a key figure under Lionel Scaloni, stressed the importance of taking the tournament game by game.

Focus on the present

De Paul made clear that the team's full attention is on Friday's opponent. "Sería un error pensar más allá del partido de mañana," he said Source: lavozar. He acknowledged Cabo Verde's merit in eliminating Uruguay and reaching the round of 16, adding: "Es cierto que tenemos experiencia, pero hay que saber manejar las emociones" Source: lavozar.

Leadership and experience

With 90 caps under Scaloni, De Paul feels a strong sense of responsibility. "Me siento importante en esta selección e intento transmitir la experiencia," he stated Source: lavozar. He noted that the group is "muy capaz y serio" and understands the responsibility Source: infobae.

The human side

De Paul praised Scaloni for teaching him that "no somos jugadores de fútbol, sino personas que jugamos al fútbol" Source: lavozar. He also spoke warmly of his friendship with Lionel Messi: "Para mí representa un montón ser amigo de Leo... Me considero un afortunado" Source: infobae. He advised younger players to treat every game as potentially their last: "cada vez que te ponés la camiseta puede ser la última vez" Source: lavozar.