De Paul Reveals Messi Kept World Cup Promise Against Netherlands

• Argentina was victorious in Qatar, beating defending champions France
• Lionel Messi was instrumental to his country's victory at the tournament
• An Argentina teammate revealed a promise made and kept by his captain

It is no longer news that Argentina are champions of the world.

The South Americans battled their way to victory in Qatar despite shockingly losing the first game to Saudi Arabia, a match they should have sealed in the first half.

However, some important behind-the-scenes events from the Mundial in December, especially from the coven of the champions, are still coming out.

The victory is already consequential in the careers of the tournament's best young player, Enzo Fernandez, who sealed a British record move to Chelsea for £106.8-million from Benfica last month, as reported by Sky Sports.

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De Paul: Messi kept promise

As reported by Sport Bible, Rodrigo De Paul is Messi's unofficial bodyguard and famously swore to defend the Argentina captain with his life.

The Atletico Madrid midfielder was injured before the quarter-final game against the Netherlands and was only able to play 66 minutes of action.

However, Messi did not want him to risk further injury and promised him he would lead the country to the semi-final.

''Messi told me don't play. I promise I'll take you to the semi-final, but don't risk it. He didn't tell me that as the captain of the team but as a friend, an older brother who loves me, he told Fox Sports,'' as quoted by ESPN.

Messi's promise to Argentina fans

After the shock opening game loss to Saudi Arabia, an emotional Messi, while speaking to reporters, told fans of La Albiceleste to stand by the country, as quoted by Metro UK.

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He said the team did not expect things to start the way they did, but added everything happened for a reason.

"This team is strong, and we have shown it in the past... Now we have to win, and it depends on us. I ask the fans to trust us. This group will not let them down."

De Paul makes World Cup admission

Sports Brief earlier reported on De Paul claiming Argentina loves to suffer and will do it many times again after their nerve-wracking victory over France in the final.

La Albiceleste raced to a two-goal lead in the first half and surrendered it with 10 minutes to go in 90 minutes, before claiming a 4-2 win on penalties.

The South Americans had similar wins over the Netherlands in the quarter-final and in the round of 16 against Australia, before a convincing win over Croatia in the semis.