RODRIGO DE PAUL has slammed conspiracy theories surrounding the Argentina team during the World Cup.
The South Americans were as they failed to retain their title as world champions.
Rodrigo De Paul hit out at conspiracy theories about Argentina on social media Credit: Reuters
Argentina were beaten in the World Cup final by Spain Credit: Getty
Throughout the World Cup, there were suggestions that were able to get away with .
Enzo Fernandez stuck an in the semi-final and went unbooked.
In the quarter-final, felt he was fouled 20 seconds .
The moment was more controversial as the North African nation had a goal ruled out for a similar offence earlier in the tie.
De Paul, 32, has now hit back at the claims in a post on Instagram in which he suggests they were made by people envious of Argentina’s success.
He wrote: “The greatest pain is that we couldn’t bring the World Cup back to our country, because if anyone deserved to relive that feeling, it was you.
“But as the hours go by, you’re making us realize that your connection with this team goes far beyond the trophy, and that’s something I want to hold onto to get through this moment.
“Today I see how many people were hoping for this defeat.
Cristian Romero claimed their success was earned Credit: Alamy
“Spreading unfounded conspiracy theories throughout the World Cup to soothe the pain of others who couldn’t experience what all Argentinians were experiencing.
“Because our smiles bother them, because our mannerisms annoy them.
“But that only reaffirmed that the passion and love for our jersey can overcome anything.
“It will hurt for a long time, but today more than ever I am proud to be ARGENTINE.”
De Paul’s team-mate echoed the message in his own post on social media.
The Tottenham star proclaimed that finals are not “handed” to teams, suggesting they earned their spot in the showpiece match.
He wrote: “And this time, it didn’t happen for us.
And believe me, it hurts. It hurts a lot, because no one wanted to keep writing this beautiful story more than we did.
Elliot Anderson was elbowed in the back of the head by Enzo Fernandez in the semi-final Credit: Getty
Mohamed Salah believed he was fouled before Argentina scored against Egypt Credit: AP
“We dreamed of bringing the cup home again, and it didn’t happen.
“But if there’s one thing we’ll never lack, it’s heart. We left it all out there.
“We had to settle for second place, but we never stopped representing Argentina with the pride and commitment that this jersey deserves.
“What a pride and fortune it is to be part of this family, damn it Argentina.
“Sorry we couldn’t give you that joy we so wanted to deliver.
“We play for you, for every Argentine who was cheering from every corner of the world. We feel that love every day.
“Today it’s time to get back up. Start over. Work harder, believe more, and prepare so that this jersey returns to where we ourselves put it in these last years, at the very top.
“Because finals aren’t handed to you—they’re earned by reaching them.
Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the World Cup final for Spain Credit: Getty
Lionel Messi was emotional after the game ended Credit: Getty
“And this group, and whoever steps up, will keep fighting, united, with the same dream as always.
“Thank you for being there. Thank you for believing. We’ll rise again. Because that’s Argentina. Always together.”
The posts come after footage emerged of the before the World Cup final.
National treasure could be heard telling his team-mates to “forget everything” before they entered the pitch.
The footage has sparked speculation online that something was awry in camp before facing Spain.
Social media theories suggest the message was urging the players to ignore criticism of their aggressive, streetwise style.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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