Lionel Messi: Argentina Players Led by Rodrigo De Paul Cause Chaos After PSG Star Gets Injured vs Honduras

• Argentina players quickly leapt to Lionel Messi's defence after their captain was fouled by a Honduras player
• The team was led by Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul as they pressured the match officials for answers
• The reigning Copa America holders have always been very protective of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner

Atletico Madrid and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul once said that if Lionel Messi is your captain, you will go to war for him if he asked you to.

This was in full glare as De Paul led Argentina players in protesting Messi's harsh treatment during an international friendly against Honduras.

Messi was captaining his side at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami when he went down after a challenge from the opponents.

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The referee immediately whistled for a foul, but that was not enough as Argentina players rushed to the referee and demanded to know why there was no further action.

As Messi lay down on the turf injured, De Paul led the onslaught against the offender as the linesman tried to separate the two sides.

The game was at that time 1-0 up courtesy of a Lautaro Martinez strike early in the game. Messi recovered to dispatch a penalty just before halftime.

He then scored an outrageous chip in the second half to help extend Argentina's unbeaten run to 34 matches.

Rodrigo slaps Lionel Messi during Argentina training session

Sports Brief has also reported that Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul shared a light moment during Argentina's training session in Miami. The incident ended with De Paul landing a soft slap on Messi's cheek before Leandro Paredes stepped in and separated them.

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Argentina are currently in the United States as they make last-minute preparations for the World Cup. The Albiceleste will be heading to Qatar as a strong favourite, having dominated for the last two years.

Messi put on a show against Honduras in an international friendly by grabbing a brace. Lautaro Martinez scored the other goal in a 3-0 win for Lionel Scaloni's men.