De Paul had some words for Messi before the World Cup
Rodrigo de Paul left a note for Lionel Messi in his room two months before the start of the World Cup in which he predicted the future.
Argentina were crowned World Cup champions on Sunday for the first time since 1986 and ended Messi's lengthy wait to get his hand on football's biggest prize.
The number 10 had a magical tournament regardless - becoming the first player to score in every round of the World Cup - but couldn't have done it without the help of his teammates.
De Paul was one of those instrumental in the run to the final and the Atletico Madrid midfielder has shared a note he left for Messi in his room all the way back in September.
On the note he said: "I am Rodrigo De Paul (7). It is 9/18/2022. I sign this paper and say that we will win the World Cup two months from now."
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He even wrote down his shirt number, just in case Messi forgot who it was.
The note was written at a point where Argentina were currently on a 36-game unbeaten run however that came to an end in their opening group game of the World Cup as they were shocked by Saudi Arabia.
Lionel Scaloni's men recovered and improved with each passing game. Their standout performance was a comfortable semi final victory against Croatia.
They also showed huge courage to recover from surrendering a lead twice to remain composed during their penalty shootout win against France.
Emiliano Martinez was the hero of the shootout once more as he saved one spot-kick and did enough to distract Aurélien Tchouaméni, who dragged his effort wide.
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