When Argentina lifted the 2022 World Cup trophy in Qatar, the images that circled the globe were full of tears, embraces, and unfiltered joy. For millions of fans, it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. For the players, it was the culmination of childhood dreams, national pressure, and years of sacrifice finally paying off.
But while the world watched the fireworks, the medals, and the parade in Buenos Aires, some of the most memorable moments happened far from the stadium lights — in hotel rooms, family calls, and private celebrations where the footballers could finally let go.
One story that has floated around fan circles is a funny and oddly wholesome anecdote about Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul and the night he celebrated a bit too hard after the final. According to the tale, his girlfriend shared that he came back completely overwhelmed by the victory and the celebrations. He was, in her words, like an overexcited child who couldn’t calm down.
She allegedly said she had to “treat him like a child” because he simply couldn’t stop celebrating. The adrenaline, the joy, and yes, probably a bit of alcohol, had turned the normally composed professional athlete into a giggling, emotional, sleep-deprived World Cup champion.
To calm him down, she baby-talked him, reassured him, and kept repeating “I love you” to soothe him after the rollercoaster of emotions. Then came the punchline that made fans laugh: in his half-asleep, half-tipsy state, he reportedly murmured back, “I love you too, Messi.”
Whether taken literally or as playful exaggeration, the story perfectly captures something deeper about that Argentine squad — their bond, their shared mission, and their almost mythic admiration for Lionel Messi.
A Team Built Around a Dream
Argentina’s 2022 World Cup campaign wasn’t just about tactics and talent. It was about narrative. From the shocking opening loss to Saudi Arabia to the dramatic penalty shootouts and the unforgettable final against France, the tournament felt like a movie script written for maximum emotion.
At the center of that script was Messi, chasing the one trophy that had eluded him. But football is never a one-man sport. Players like De Paul played a crucial role in giving Messi the platform to shine.
Throughout the tournament, De Paul was often described by fans as Messi’s “bodyguard on the pitch.” He pressed relentlessly, recovered balls, and did the dirty work that allowed creative players to thrive. His energy and loyalty to the team — and to Messi — became a talking point among supporters.
So the idea that even in a silly, drunken moment he’d say “I love you, Messi” feels symbolic. It reflects how deeply the squad believed in their captain and how emotionally invested they were in his dream.
The Human Side of Football Glory
We often see footballers as larger-than-life figures: disciplined, focused, and media-trained. But nights like a World Cup victory remind us they’re human. They feel pressure. They feel relief. And when they finally win, they celebrate like anyone else would — sometimes even more wildly.
Imagine the psychological release:
- A month of intense global scrutiny
- Representing an entire nation
- Playing the most watched sporting event on Earth
- Knowing this might be your only shot
When it’s over and you’ve won, the emotional dam bursts. Tears, laughter, shouting, singing, and yes, partying — it’s all part of the release.
Stories like this resonate with fans because they make heroes relatable. A world-class midfielder turning into a lovestruck, exhausted, celebratory mess is something people can smile at and connect with.
Messi as More Than a Teammate
Another reason this anecdote spreads so easily is Messi’s unique status. For many Argentine players, he wasn’t just a teammate. He was an idol from their childhood.
Several squad members grew up watching Messi dominate European football. By 2022, they weren’t just playing with him — they were fighting to give him his crowning achievement.
That creates a special dynamic. It’s part friendship, part admiration, part shared destiny. In that context, jokingly saying “I love you, Messi” after the biggest win of your life almost makes poetic sense.
Viral Stories and Modern Fandom
In the social media era, football stories don’t need official confirmation to spread. A funny quote, a locker-room rumor, or a playful partner comment can turn into a global meme within hours.
Fans love these behind-the-scenes glimpses because they add color to the polished world of professional sports. They turn statistics and match reports into personalities and narratives.
Even if embellished, such stories show how supporters emotionally invest in their teams. They don’t just want results — they want stories, humor, and humanity.
Why We Love These Moments
At its core, football is about emotion. The tactics and skills matter, but what people remember are feelings:
- The last-minute goals
- The dramatic saves
- The tears in interviews
- The joy in celebrations
A playful anecdote about a player being so overwhelmed he accidentally professes love to his captain fits perfectly into that emotional landscape.
It reminds us that for the players, this isn’t just a job. It’s a dream they’ve chased since childhood.
The Legacy of 2022
The 2022 World Cup will be remembered as one of the most dramatic ever. Argentina’s journey, Messi’s crowning moment, and the unforgettable final all cemented it in history.
Small stories — real or half-legend — become part of that legacy. They’re retold among fans, shared online, and laughed about years later.
They keep the magic alive.
