"Lionel Messi, I stay with him until he dies" - Argentina star makes claim when asked with whom he'd survive on a deserted island

Lionel Messi's Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul has said he would stay with the legendary forward even on a deserted island. The midfielder has won two Copa America titles and the FIFA World Cup alongside La Pulga and enjoys a close relationship with him.

De Paul has played 69 times for the national team since debuting under Lionel Scaloni in 2018. He has scored twice and provided 11 assists for La Albiceleste.

The Atletico Madrid midfielder was asked in an interview with Resumido which of his international teammates he would prefer to be stuck on a deserted island with. The 30-year-old replied:

“Messi. I stay with him until he dies.”

The Inter Miami star is considered one of the greatest players to play football. The Barcelona legend has scored 109 goals in 187 appearances for his country, helping Argentina to four consecutive titles between 2021 and 2024.

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Lionel Messi believes his football talent is a divine gift

Lionel Messi believes his legendary abilities on the pitch are a gift from God. The Argentine star is considered one of the greatest players ever, scoring 735 goals and providing 355 assists in 904 club games.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner believes discussed his abilities in an interview (saying via ESPN):

"It's very clear to me that I was born like this because God chose me. It was a gift he gave me. I tried to take advantage of it.

"I did everything possible to squeeze the most out of it. The truth is, although I did many things, I did nothing to become the player that I already was when I was little."

Messi concluded:

"From what was being said, I was always different. When I was 3 or 4 years old, I was not aware of the World Cup and all the titles that were being played.

"I simply played because I loved the ball. ... it was my hobby. I spent all the time kicking (the ball) and looking for someone to play with. I was born with it. I loved football, like most Argentines, from a very young age. I always tried to have fun, like I did from day one."

Now 37, Lionel Messi is approaching the end of a legendary career that has seen him claim every prize in football. He now plays for MLS side, Inter Miami and has scored 25 goals and provided 16 assists in 29 games across competitions.