De Paul & Tini Stoessel: World Cup Night Mix-Up & Relationship Update

The celebrations following Argentina’s World Cup victory in Qatar were, understandably, exuberant. For midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, however, the revelry extended to a point of near-total abandon, resulting in a somewhat awkward homecoming, as recounted by his partner, singer Tini Stoessel.

Stoessel described a scene where De Paul arrived home heavily intoxicated, still caught up in the euphoria of the win. According to reports from OneFootball, she found herself in the unexpected role of caretaker, tending to the celebrating midfielder. The incident, while humorous in retrospect, highlighted the intensity of the emotions surrounding Argentina’s triumph.

The pivotal moment, as Stoessel recalled, came when she attempted to express her affection. “I told him I loved him,” she said, “and he responded by saying he loved Messi instead.” The mix-up, a testament to De Paul’s overwhelming joy and admiration for his captain, Lionel Messi, left Stoessel momentarily taken aback. It’s a story that speaks to the almost surreal atmosphere that gripped the Argentine squad and their supporters after decades of chasing a World Cup title.

The relationship between De Paul and Stoessel, which began in 2021, has been closely followed by the media, navigating periods of both public affection and reported challenges. Stoessel was a visible and vocal supporter throughout the World Cup tournament, attending De Paul’s matches and providing a consistent presence during a high-pressure competition. Her unwavering support was noted as a key factor in De Paul’s performance and overall well-being during the tournament.

The anecdote offers a glimpse behind the scenes of a historic victory, revealing the human moments that often get lost in the broader narrative of sporting achievement. It underscores the deep bonds within the Argentine team, particularly the reverence for Messi, who finally secured the elusive World Cup trophy that had long defined his career. The fact that De Paul’s first instinct, even in a state of intoxication, was to profess his admiration for Messi speaks volumes about the captain’s influence and the collective emotional investment in his success.

Currently, De Paul is forging a new on-field partnership with Messi at Inter Miami. Having previously played for Valencia and Atlético Madrid, De Paul’s move to MLS represents a significant shift in his career, bringing him closer to Messi in a new competitive environment. The connection between the two players, already evident on the international stage, is now being cultivated within the framework of the burgeoning MLS franchise.

The story also highlights the increasing intersection of sports and entertainment, with Stoessel’s prominent role as a singer and public figure drawing further attention to De Paul’s career. Their relationship, and the candidness with which Stoessel has shared moments like this, provides a relatable human element to the often-glamorized world of professional sports. The couple’s ability to navigate the pressures of public scrutiny and maintain their connection, despite reported “crises,” is a testament to their resilience.

Recent reports, however, suggest a possible cooling of the relationship. Hola.com reported in March 2025 that Stoessel was seen supporting De Paul at an Atletico Madrid match, fueling speculation about a potential reconciliation after a split in 2023. The sighting, while prompting renewed interest in their dynamic, remains just that – speculation. Stoessel and De Paul have not publicly commented on the status of their relationship.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding their personal lives, De Paul’s professional career continues to evolve. His transition to Inter Miami alongside Messi represents a new chapter, offering him the opportunity to contribute to the growth of soccer in the United States and further solidify his legacy as a key member of the Argentine national team. The awkward, yet endearing, post-World Cup anecdote serves as a reminder that even amidst the highest levels of athletic achievement, the human element – with all its imperfections and endearing moments – remains at the heart of the story.