"Just the fact that Messi is on our side is important"

Midfielder Rodrigo de Paul on Sunday praised the influence on Argentina's national team history of Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria after they won their 16th Copa America title. "We're always going to do it for him. Just the fact that he's by our side is important," the Atletico Madrid player said after the Copa America final, which they beat Colombia 1-0 in extra time.

De Paul was referring to the extra effort made by the Albiceleste squad after losing captain Lionel Messi to injury in the 65th minute. He also referred to the withdrawal of winger Angel Di Maria from the national team.

"We're going to miss Di Maria for everything he gave us and for the spectacle of watching him. What a player we've enjoyed," he told reporters.