Rodrigo De Paul’s place in the Argentina national team is under serious pressure as Lionel Scaloni begins a major rebuild, but there is still no confirmation that the midfielder plans to retire from international football.
Rodrigo De Paul’s Argentina Future in Serious Doubt as Scaloni Begins Major Rebuild
Rodrigo De Paul’s future with the Argentina national team has become increasingly uncertain as Lionel Scaloni begins preparing the squad for a new era.
The experienced midfielder has been one of Argentina’s most important players during their recent period of success.
But his position inside the squad is no longer as secure as it once was.
That has created growing speculation that De Paul could be moving closer to the end of his international career.
De Paul returns only for Benin match
De Paul has returned to Argentina’s training base in Ezeiza ahead of the upcoming match against Benin.
However, he was not selected for the previous games against Bolivia and Burkina Faso.
Instead, Scaloni used those matches to give opportunities to younger players.
De Paul is expected to be involved against Benin, but his long-term place in the team remains unclear.
Scaloni wants to look at younger players
The Argentina coach has explained that he wants to use the current period to test new options.
Scaloni is preparing the squad for life after several senior stars and wants younger players to gain international experience.
De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso have both seen their roles become less certain during this process.
The situation is similar to previous transitions involving experienced Argentina players such as Ángel Di María.
Door is not completely closed
Despite the growing uncertainty, Scaloni has not said De Paul’s Argentina career is finished.
The coach has made clear that:
“The doors are not closed.”
That means De Paul could still remain part of Argentina’s plans if he performs well and proves he can continue competing at the required level.
For now, the situation should be seen as a fight for his place rather than a confirmed international retirement.
Benin match could be important
Argentina’s match against Benin could now become an important moment for De Paul.
He will return to the squad alongside other experienced names for a match carrying major emotional importance.
However, there has been no official announcement that this will be De Paul’s final appearance for Argentina.
Neither the player, the Argentina Football Association nor Scaloni has confirmed that he plans to retire after the game.
De Paul no longer guaranteed a place
For many years, De Paul was one of the first names in Argentina’s midfield.
His energy, pressing and defensive work made him an important partner for Lionel Messi and a key part of Scaloni’s system.
But Argentina now have several younger midfielders pushing for opportunities.
That competition means De Paul can no longer assume that his place in the starting XI or even the squad is guaranteed.
Move to MLS also under discussion
De Paul’s club situation has also become part of the debate.
His move to MLS has raised questions about whether he can maintain the intensity and competitive level required by Argentina.
The national-team coaching staff are continuing to monitor his performances.
If he wants to remain an important player for Argentina, strong club form could become more important than ever.
Argentina preparing for a new era
The uncertainty around De Paul is part of a much bigger change.
Argentina are entering a new stage following the end of the Messi era.
Scaloni now has to build a team capable of competing without several players who were central to the country’s greatest recent achievements.
That naturally means some experienced stars will lose minutes as younger players receive more responsibility.
De Paul has already built an important legacy
Whatever happens next, De Paul has already secured an important place in Argentina’s recent history.
He was a key member of the team that won the Copa América, the Finalissima and the World Cup.
His work rate and close understanding with Messi made him one of the symbols of Scaloni’s successful team.
But football moves quickly, and De Paul must now prove that he can remain part of Argentina’s next generation.
Retirement rumours continue, but nothing is official
The fact that De Paul was left out of recent matches has naturally increased speculation about his future.
But there is still an important difference between losing his place and deciding to retire.
At this stage, De Paul has not announced that he is leaving international football.
The biggest question is whether he can convince Scaloni that he still deserves an important role as Argentina begin another major rebuild.
The Benin match could provide the first clue about what comes next.
