De Paul: 'Our smiles bother them, our manners annoy them' after Argentina's extra-time World Cup final loss

The final defeat

Argentina fell to Spain 0-1 in the World Cup final, decided in extra time on Sunday evening. The loss denied the defending champions a second consecutive title. De Paul's message, shared on Instagram, opened by acknowledging the pain of not bringing the trophy home.

The deepest pain is that we didn't manage to bring the World Cup back to the country, because if there is anyone who deserves to relive that emotion, it is you.

Conspiracy theories and criticism

Argentina had faced sharp criticism throughout the tournament, often targeted for perceived unsporting conduct. De Paul used the post to settle scores with what he called unfounded conspiracy theories spread by those waiting for the team's defeat. He said many people were spreading such stories to ease their own suffering, unable to experience what Argentinians were feeling.

Today I see how many people were waiting for this defeat, spreading unfounded conspiracy theories throughout the World Cup to soothe their own pain that they cannot live what we Argentinians were living.

Pride in the jersey

The now Inter Miami player, previously at Atlético Madrid from 2021 to 2025, said the smilies and manners of the team bothered opponents, but that only proved that passion and love for the shirt could surpass anything.

Because our smiles bother them, because our manners annoy them... But all of that only confirmed that the passion and love for our shirt can overcome anything.

A champion's resilience

De Paul, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, wrote that he would suffer for a long time, but today more than ever he was proud to be Argentinian. The Inter Miami star plays alongside Lionel Messi at the MLS club, and the team is coached by Lionel Scaloni.