Rodrigo De Paul, midfielder of the Argentina national football team, explained that being close to the World Cup final gives them extra motivation. The 2022 World Cup champion will face England on Wednesday in the World Cup semifinal, after a tough journey in the knockout stages against Egypt and Switzerland. The Inter Miami player, winner of the 2022 World Cup, said in press statements on Tuesday: 'Being just one step away from playing a World Cup final again... there is no greater motivation than that.' He added to reporters during Argentina's last training session: 'Everyone loves to participate in the World Cup. Every match is a final, and that's how we have always approached it. We are facing a team we haven't played against in this tournament, a football power that has put in great performances, just like the rest of the teams still in the competition. It will be a big match.' He continued: 'I am very happy and full of excitement. Personally, I really enjoy these matches. I try to live the moment in all its details without emotions overwhelming my focus. That's why we place great importance on preparing for tomorrow's match, especially in terms of maintaining calm and composure.' No team has managed to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, a fact De Paul is well aware of in Argentina's quest to defend their title. He said: 'We have done that before in the Copa America, but winning again after you have already won is always more difficult. Staying at the top for many years is not easy, but we have succeeded in that, and I am very proud of my teammates.' He concluded: 'In the end, the World Cup and major tournaments like it are decided by the small details.' Regarding captain Lionel Messi's participation in his sixth World Cup, he explained that he is enjoying this extraordinary appearance, noting that his teammates derive happiness from seeing him experience the tournament with such spirit. Messi continues to write history in the current edition, not only by extending his record for the most matches played in the World Cup (28), but also by raising his goal tally to 21, which increases his threat ahead of the match against England. De Paul said of his Inter Miami captain: 'Seeing him enjoy himself makes me really happy, given everything he has been through while wearing this shirt, and everything he has had to fight for.' He added: 'I think this World Cup has made him really enjoy the game. We all know his mentality and how he prepares and handles each match, but I see him happy and enjoying what he does, and as a friend of his, that makes me very happy.'