De Paul Reveals the Truth Behind Messi’s Absence Against Ecuador: Personal Issue Forces the Legend to Return to Miami Early

Argentina’s shocking 0-1 defeat to Ecuador last week raised many questions, but none loomed larger than one: Why wasn’t Lionel Messi on the pitch? The world champions’ talisman and captain, often the difference-maker in tight games, was absent, and the team’s lackluster performance only made his absence more glaring.

Now, the mystery has finally been addressed — and the revelation has stunned fans worldwide. Rodrigo De Paul, one of Messi’s closest teammates both at the national team and Inter Miami, has publicly disclosed the personal reason behind Messi’s decision to skip the match and cut his international duty short.

“Leo wasn’t dealing with an injury, as many believed,” De Paul told Argentine media after the defeat. “It was a personal matter. Something very close to his heart. Out of respect for him, I won’t go into full detail, but I can say it was important enough that he had to go back to Miami earlier than planned.”

De Paul’s admission has sent shockwaves across the football community. For years, Messi has been seen as the ultimate professional — a player who prioritizes his country and his club above all else. For him to miss such a crucial fixture due to personal reasons suggests that the issue must have been significant.

Speculation quickly flooded social media. Some fans suggested family-related matters, pointing to Messi’s well-known devotion to his wife Antonela and their three children. Others speculated it could be linked to commitments in Miami, where Messi has shouldered immense pressure since joining Inter Miami in 2023, both on and off the pitch.

Whatever the exact reason, fans couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of regret. “It’s heartbreaking,” one supporter wrote on Twitter. “We needed him against Ecuador. But if it’s something personal, we have to respect his decision.”

Indeed, Messi’s absence was felt heavily during the match. Argentina, usually dominant, lacked creativity in attack. The midfield struggled to link up play, and without Messi’s vision and composure, the team looked out of ideas. Ecuador seized the opportunity and struck in the second half, sealing a famous victory that left the Albiceleste reeling.

De Paul himself admitted how difficult it was for the squad to adapt without their captain. “Of course, Leo is irreplaceable,” he said. “We all tried to give more, but when he’s not there, the team feels it. Still, we stand by him 100%. He’s given everything for Argentina. If he needed to leave, then it was the right decision.”

This revelation also brings into focus Messi’s demanding schedule. At 38, the Argentine legend is balancing international duty with the heavy expectations at Inter Miami, where he has become the face not only of the team but of Major League Soccer as a whole. Between long flights, endless media commitments, and the physical toll of constant competition, Messi’s workload remains immense.

Analysts warn that Argentina may need to start preparing for life without their iconic No.10 more seriously. “This is a glimpse of the future,” said one Argentine sports columnist. “There will be matches without Messi. The team must learn how to win without him. But emotionally, it’s still a huge adjustment.”

Meanwhile, Inter Miami has remained tight-lipped about Messi’s early return. Club representatives have only confirmed that he is back in Florida and available for their upcoming MLS fixture, but they did not comment on the nature of the personal issue.

For now, Messi remains silent, allowing his close friend De Paul’s words to carry the message. Fans may never know the full story, but what is clear is that Messi’s absence had nothing to do with a lack of commitment — it was something far more personal, and far more important.

As Argentina moves forward in their World Cup qualifying campaign, the spotlight will remain firmly on Messi: his health, his commitments, and his emotional well-being. For a player who has given so much to both club and country, even the smallest absence feels monumental.

And for the millions who tuned in hoping to see Messi weave his magic against Ecuador, the feeling is the same: regret, respect, and a reminder that even legends are human.