Winning a tournament like the World Cup requires more than just legendary goalscorers. It demands relentless physical output, tactical discipline, and a player willing to do the unseen dirty work. For Argentina's 2022 championship run, that player was Rodrigo De Paul. Dubbed El Motor de la Selección (the engine of the national team), De Paul transformed from a heavily criticized squad member into the tactical heartbeat of Lionel Scaloni's winning side. His journey to global glory wasn't built on flashiness or highlight-reel strikes; it was forged through stamina, defensive grit, and an unbreakable bond with Lionel Messi.
Understanding De Paul's path to the trophy requires looking past the gold medal ceremony. His tournament started under a cloud of intense media scrutiny, tactical adjustments, and physical exhaustion. By examining how he evolved over the seven matches in Qatar, we can see the exact blueprint of modern midfield dominance.
The Rocky Start and Early Criticism
Every great sports story features a crisis, and Argentina's arrived immediately on matchday one. A shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia snapped La Albiceleste's 36-match unbeaten streak, throwing the entire squad into panic. De Paul bore a heavy share of the blame from pundits and fans alike.
Critics pointed to loose passing, positional indiscipline, and a sluggish physical tempo. Playing as the right-sided central midfielder in Scaloni's fluid 4-3-3, De Paul was tasked with covering massive spaces to shield right-back Nahuel Molina while also supporting Messi in transition. When that system stuttered against Saudi Arabia, the pressure skyrocketed. Related insight on this matter has been shared by BBC.
Instead of hiding, De Paul leaned into the burden. He famously addressed his doubters head-on, refusing to let external noise fracture his confidence or his relationship with the coaching staff. Scaloni never wavered in his selection, recognizing that no other midfielder in the squad offered the same combination of endurance and competitive fire.
Becoming the Engine of La Scaloneta
As the tournament progressed, Argentina adapted, and De Paul shifted into peak form. He played every single minute of Argentina's matches, covering ground that left tracking systems red-lined. His primary job wasn't scoring goals; it was breaking up opposition attacks, recycling possession, and acting as Messi's primary bodyguard on the pitch.
Tactically, De Paul's role changed depending on whether Argentina faced a low block or a high-pressing opponent. Against teams like the Netherlands and Croatia, his ability to win second balls and absorb physical pressure became vital. He led the squad in ball recoveries and duels contested, providing the defensive stability that allowed Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister to dictate the tempo further forward.
- Defensive Workrate: De Paul averaged over 11 kilometers covered per match during the knockout rounds.
- The Messi Connection: Beyond tactics, De Paul understood Messi's psychological and physical needs on the pitch, frequently closing down spaces to give the captain room to breathe.
- Resilience: He played through minor hamstring niggles, famously declaring himself fit ahead of high-stakes elimination games despite medical doubts.
The Ultimate Vindication in the Final
The World Cup final against France demanded everything De Paul had left. Up against a dynamic French midfield featuring Aurélien Tchouaméni and Adrien Rabiot, De Paul put on a masterclass in tactical fouling, ball retention, and sheer willpower.
When Kylian Mbappé sparked France's dramatic comeback in the second half, it was De Paul's relentless pressing in extra time that helped stabilize Argentina's crumbling shape. He didn't stop running until the final whistle blew and penalties secured the trophy.
In post-match interviews, the emotional release was palpable. De Paul openly acknowledged the suffering, the sleepless nights after the opening defeat, and the satisfaction of silencing a nation of critics. That raw honesty endeared him to millions, cementing his status not just as a professional athlete, but as a cultural embodiment of Argentine footballing grit.
Legacy and Post-World Cup Evolution
Lifting the trophy in Lusail changed De Paul's career trajectory permanently. He returned to Atlético Madrid with a newly minted world-class pedigree, continuing to anchor international midfields through subsequent Copa América tournaments and the World Cup 2026 cycle.
His move to Inter Miami later in his club career reunited him with Messi, proving that his elite conditioning and tactical intelligence translate seamlessly across continents. Yet, his defining legacy remains that grueling month in Qatar, where a heavily criticized midfielder ran himself into the ground to secure immortal glory for his country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What position does Rodrigo De Paul play?
He primarily plays as a box-to-box central midfielder or a right-sided central midfielder. His responsibilities combine defensive ball-winning with transition passing and heavy defensive coverage.
Did Rodrigo De Paul score any goals at the 2022 World Cup?
No, De Paul did not score during the tournament. His value to Argentina came entirely through defensive interventions, ball recoveries, tactical fouling, and ground coverage rather than direct goalscoring.
Why is Rodrigo De Paul called "El Motor"?
Teammates like Emiliano Martínez and Alejandro Gómez nicknamed him El Motor because of his unmatched stamina, high work rate, and ability to cover every blade of grass for 90 minutes without slowing down.
How many minutes did De Paul play in Qatar?
De Paul played nearly every possible minute for Argentina during their 2022 campaign, anchoring the starting lineup through all group matches and grueling knockout fixtures.
