Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has expressed strong support for midfielder Rodrigo De Paul’s decision to join Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS), saying that the player continues to perform at a very high standard despite leaving Europe.

De Paul surprised many Argentina supporters when he chose to depart Atletico Madrid for Inter Miami less than a year before the World Cup. However, Scaloni emphasised that he prioritises performance over the club a player represents, underlining that De Paul remains an integral part of the national team setup.

“We are not concerned about the league he plays in; what matters to us is his form on the pitch. He’s playing at a very good level. Whenever he joins the squad, he demonstrates a strong level,” Scaloni said through a translator while addressing the media in Kansas City, Missouri.

The World Cup-winning coach also highlighted that De Paul must continue to push himself and cannot rely on his past achievements. “He knows he can’t relax,” Scaloni explained. “During the hydration break, I reminded him that he must stay sharp. When he’s focused, he’s decisive — and after that, he changed the game.”

De Paul delivered an impressive performance, ranking among Argentina’s best players on the night behind captain Lionel Messi. The midfielder provided the assist for the opening goal, completed 92 percent of his passes, contributed six defensive recoveries, and won five of eight duels during the match.

Scaloni also commended his entire midfield unit, which featured Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and former MLS standout Thiago Almada. Fernandez managed nine passes into the final third, while Mac Allister’s long-range effort set up another scoring chance for Messi’s second goal.

After their latest fixture, Argentina will enjoy a six-day break before meeting Austria in Dallas on June 22, as they continue their preparations for the upcoming World Cup campaign.