ARGENTINA’S Rodrigo de Paul has been handed both the ultimate acting compliment AND the worst insult for amazing play-acting at Copa America.
Fans ridiculed the Atletico Madrid midfielder for his starring “roll” in a semi-final 2-0 win over Canada.
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.”
Meanwhile, 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.
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Such verdicts included: “Trying out for an Oscar” and “An Oscar for De Paul”.
Another fan posted: “And the academy award goes to… could you imagine a hockey player doing this?”
And apart from acting assessments, De Paul was also accused of setting a bad example to youngsters.
One viewer suggested: “THIS is exactly what is still wrong with soccer. Stop teaching kids how to dive, it’s gross.”
Another said: “The way he rolls over in pain after a slight tap of the ball. Surely that warrants a yellow card for embellishment.”
More mocking comments like “Hahahaha soccer is softer than hobby horsing” and “Yo, this is hilarious” flowed in.
And one fan joked: “Someone call an ambulance, there has been a murder on the field.”
But, plot twist, another observer 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 for acting, that opinion is what movie directors might call a surprise ending…!
Earlier on, Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez finished off De Paul’s pass for Argentina’s opening goal midway through the first half.
Star performer Lionel Messi, 37, then killed off the Canadians early in the second period, deflecting in a shot from Chelsea‘s Enzo Fernandez.
Lionel Scaloni’s men face the winner of Thursday’s clash between Uruguay and Colombia in Monday’s final.
