Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has defended his country’s World Cup campaign, accusing critics of spreading “baseless conspiracy theories” following the Albiceleste’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Lionel Scaloni’s side lost 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium, missing the chance to become the first nation in 64 years to successfully defend the World Cup title.
The defeat has since been followed by criticism over Argentina’s conduct during the tournament and disciplinary incidents in the final.
Reacting in a post on Instagram, De Paul admitted the pain of failing to retain the trophy but thanked Argentine supporters for their unwavering backing.
He wrote: “The biggest pain is that we couldn’t bring the World Cup to our country again, because if there is anyone who deserved to live that feeling again, it was you.
“But as the hours go by, they’re dropping us that the identification they have with this group goes beyond the trophy and that’s something I want to grab on to be able to transition into this moment.”
The midfielder also dismissed the criticism directed at the team, insisting many people had been waiting for Argentina to fail.
He said: “Today, I look at how many people were waiting for this fall, spreading baseless conspiracy theories throughout the World Cup just to soothe their own pain at not being able to experience what we Argentines were living through – because our smiles bother them, because our ways get under their skin.”
According to De Paul, the criticism only strengthened the unity within the squad during the tournament.
He added: “But that only reaffirmed that passion and love for our shirt can do everything.
“It will hurt for a long time, but today more than ever I am proud to be ARGENTINE.”
Argentina’s World Cup campaign has continued to generate debate following the dramatic conclusion to the final.
Leandro Paredes was sent off after the final whistle following the earlier dismissal of Enzo Fernandez, while the team’s conduct remains under scrutiny with the possibility of FIFA sanctions reportedly still hanging over the Albiceleste.