Messi stops De Paul from mocking Brazil following Copa America win

Footage has emerged of Lionel Messi stopping his Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul from starting a negative chant about Brazil.

On Saturday night, Messi was finally able to claim a major international honour as Argentina beat rivals Brazil in the Copa America final at the Maracana.

It was a tight and tense game between two of South America’s greatest national teams, but in the end, Argentina were the ones who edged over the finish line – leaving the Brazilians to think about what could’ve been on home turf.

Lionel Messi: as pure as they come

After the full-time whistle blew we saw jubilant celebrations from all of those in the crowd as well as the players on the pitch, with the victors chanting and cheering long into the night.

However, when Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul opted to try and start a negative chant about their beaten opponents, Messi was quick to step in and prevent it from happening.

https://twitter.com/FutbolStan_/status/1414550393787453446

The song, in essence, runs along the lines of: “Brazilians, how bitter you look; Maradona is bigger/greater, greater than Pele.”

Regardless of whether or not you believe Diego Maradona is better than Pele historically, there’s no denying that this was a really classy moment from Lionel.

De Paul was probably just getting carried away in the heat of the moment which, given the circumstances and the stakes involved, is understandable – but Messi is a leader at heart.

He wants to do everything in his power to set a positive example for all of those who look up to him. He may not always succeed, but it’s important to send a message that showing dignity in victory or defeat is part of the process.

Messi will hope to carry that mentality forward into next year’s World Cup in Qatar.

Featured image credit: Getty