Rodrigo De Paul Wins Hearts With Heartwarming Gesture During Lionel Messi Photoshoot

Argentine Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul won widespread praise for a touching gesture toward a young fan during the final leg of Lionel Messi's "G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025" at Arun Jaitley Stadium on December 15, 2025. As Messi posed for group photos with fans and young players, a security official positioned himself next to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, inadvertently blocking a child; De Paul politely pushed the official aside and ensured the boy stood prominently beside Messi.

The viral video captured De Paul's attentiveness, with the Inter Miami player—often jokingly called Messi's "bodyguard" by fans—smiling as he made space for the excited youngster. Social media users hailed the act as "classy" and "heartwarming", emphasising how it prioritised a child's dream moment over protocol.

Messi, accompanied by Inter Miami teammates De Paul and Luis Suárez, concluded the four-city tour (Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi) with fan interactions, kicking balls into the stands, and sessions with academy players despite challenging air quality. The trio received custom Indian cricket jerseys from ICC Chairman Jay Shah and engaged in light-hearted activities amid enthusiastic crowds.

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De Paul's recent permanent transfer to Inter Miami—after helping secure the club's first MLS Cup—has kept him alongside Messi, while Suárez remains in negotiations for an extension. The tour highlighted football's growing appeal in India, with Messi promising a return. The gesture underscored the players' humility, contrasting with earlier organisational issues in Kolkata, and reinforced their connection with young admirers worldwide.

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