World Cup 2026: Rodrigo De Paul's strong reprimand to Nico Paz during the match

During Argentina's World Cup match against Algeria, a moment of on-field intensity saw midfielder Rodrigo De Paul admonish debutant Nicolás Paz. As the match neared its end, with Argentina comfortably leading, Paz, who had replaced Lionel Messi, was urged by De Paul to be more assertive in defensive actions.

"¡Meté la pata, meté la pierna!" (Put your foot in, put your leg in!), De Paul was heard saying, captured by broadcast cameras. The exchange happened as Paz was attempting to regain possession near the center circle, with Algeria pressing.

Paz, who was making his World Cup debut, later shared his emotions on Instagram, calling it a lifelong dream fulfilled. The 21-year-old midfielder, born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is the son of former Argentine player Pablo Paz. He is the first Argentine to play in the tournament without having played for a domestic club or been part of the country's youth system.

His father revealed that Nicolás always wanted to play for Argentina, despite being born in Spain, and that the Argentine Football Association reached out when he was 16. The elder Paz noted that Nicolás's playing style embodies the "picardía" (cunning) and "potrero" (street football skill) characteristic of Argentine players.