ARGENTINA’S Rodrigo de Paul has been handed both the ultimate acting compliment AND the worst insult for amazing play-acting in the Copa America.
Fans ridiculed the Atletico Madrid midfielder for his starring “roll” in a semi-final 2-0 win over Canada.
5
5
5
With the scoring complete, frustrated Canadian Ismael Kone kicked the ball at the grounded star, who responded by clutching his back and tumbling around as if in agony.
Chilean referee Piero Maza whipped out the yellow card for Koné – but viewers were more interested in giving De Paul bookings… for movie roles.
Amongst the plaudits for his acting were numerous nominations for an Oscar award.
But De Paul might be more concerned by a huge slur over his theatrical ability.
One fan alleged: “His acting is like a bad TikTok skit.”
Canada boss Jesse Marsch reacted on the sideline with the same indignation to De Paul’s antics as fans showed online.
The former Leeds chief appeared to yell his disapproval at the 30-year-old.
De Paul is a 2022 World Cup winner – but many viewers believe he is now more like an Academy Award sinner.
5
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Such verdicts included: “Trying out for an Oscar” plus “And an Oscar for De Paul”.
A third fan posted: “And the academy award goes to… could you imagine a hockey player doing this.”
Away from acting assessments, other observers also teased De Paul.
“Hahahaha soccer is softer than hobby horsing,” said one viewer, while a second viewer posted: “Yo, this is hilarious.”
Another joked: “Someone call an ambulance, there has been a murder on the field.”
And there were also more serious claims over the incident.
One fan suggested: “THIS is exactly what is still wrong with soccer. Stop teaching kids how to dive, it’s gross.”
And another said: “The way he rolls over in pain after a slight tap of the ball. Surely that warrants a yellow card for embellishment.”
However, plot twist, one viewer seemed to approve of the action that sparked De Paul’s rolling around.
He wrote: “A well-earned yellow card by Koné. Legend!”
Perhaps with De Paul’s new reputation, that’s what you call a surprise ending!
Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez had finished off De Paul’s pass for Argentina’s opening goal midway through the first half.
But it was star performer Lionel Messi, 37, who killed off the Canadians early in the second period, deflecting in a shot from Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Lionel Scaloni’s men face the winner of Thursday’s clash between Uruguay and Colombia in Monday’s final.
5
