The Argentine national football squad has cultivated a unique environment designed to maximize Lionel Messi's effectiveness, centering the team around his needs and comfort.
Rodrigo de Paul has emerged as a key figure in this dynamic, acting as a teammate with whom Messi instantly feels at home, a role previously filled by players like Jose Manuel Pinto and Luis Suarez at Barcelona.
Their bond developed during international duty. Initially, their connection was limited to a photo request from De Paul after a Valencia-Barcelona match. However, De Paul once observed Messi leaving training alone and appearing subdued. Concerned, he approached Messi, offering a game of "truco" and a shared mate, the traditional Argentine drink.
This initiated a friendship with established routines. Mate is shared every morning in De Paul's room, with Messi typically being the first to arrive, followed by other squad members. This routine is strictly adhered to, with no one allowed to deviate.
De Paul often refers to Messi as 'El Pequeno' (the little one), despite Messi being the elder in their interactions. This playful teasing and treating Messi as a regular person, rather than a global icon, is a deliberate strategy to allow him to be 'Leo' instead of 'Messi.' De Paul is attuned to Messi's moods, knowing when to offer company and when to give him space.
On the field, Messi often leads the team out, with De Paul by his side, and the rest of the squad fanning out behind them in a protective formation. For many in the squad, Messi was not just a teammate but a childhood idol who inspired them to play football.
The team's dedication extends to wearing the same Adidas Adistar Messi boots. For Messi's birthday, the players donned T-shirts featuring a photo of themselves with him from his years with the national team, further illustrating the deep respect and camaraderie within the squad. This carefully constructed atmosphere aims to ensure Messi feels supported and comfortable, allowing him to perform at his peak.