We Will Compete to Defend the Trophy, Says De Paul

Just a few hours remain before it is revealed which teams will be placed in which groups on football’s biggest stage. The 2026 World Cup will begin in June, and ahead of this, the tournament group draw will take place on Friday night in Washington. The excitement is at its peak in countries, matching that of the fans.

Even the camp of current world champion Argentina is buzzing with anticipation. Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul told Argentine journalist Gaston Edul that he had just discussed the draw and preparations with Lionel Messi.

De Paul said, ‘I was just discussing the schedule and preparations with Leo. In club football, draws are often sudden, so it feels a little unprepared. But the World Cup draw is completely different—it’s special. Naturally, there are expectations about which group we will be in and who we will play against.’ He added that the draw ceremony marks the official start of the World Cup.

After ending a long drought at the Qatar World Cup, Argentina won the trophy. Under Messi’s leadership, the team aims to continue that success in the upcoming tournament. De Paul said, ‘We will give our best. Expectations are on us, which we created ourselves through qualifying performances. So we will compete to defend the trophy—even though we know how difficult it is.’

He added that if the team plays united and the environment is similar to 2022, the journey will be easier. ‘We will give everything. I hope everyone stays together, and everything will be like 2022.’

De Paul joined Inter Miami this year. Before the World Cup, the team faces a major club-level test on Saturday at the MLS final, where Messi and De Paul’s Miami will face Thomas Muller’s Vancouver Whitecaps.

Messi’s participation in the World Cup remains uncertain. He hopes to play, but if circumstances prevent it, watching as a spectator will also be special. Regardless, Messi will remain central to Argentina’s plans for the upcoming tournament.

KhaborwalaAJ