In an interview with 'El Periodico', Paulinho has admitted that future team-mate Lionel Messi made him shy away from taking a free-kick during an international friendly by talking about his potential move to Barcelona.
The Brazilian has impressed for Ernesto Valverde's side since making the €40million switch from Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande in the summer.
However, when reflecting back on the month before the La Liga move, Paulinho has revealed the lengths Messi will go to off-put an opponent.
During a friendly between Argentina and Brazil, the 'Canarinha' were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position and as Paulinho stepped up to take it, Messi made his move.
"I was preparing to take a free-kick with Willian and another player I do not remember," he told the Catalan newspaper. "Suddenly, I see Messi from behind, who is approaching me little by little and he said: 'Are you going to Barcelona or not?'.
The reporter then asked what he replied, to which Paulinho said: "What did I tell him? 'If you want to take me, you can take me. I am going'. I was so nervous [after] that I said to Willian, 'You're taking the free-kick!'."
Willian failed to direct the free-kick on target and Brazil would eventually succumbed 1-0 to Argentina thanks to a goal from Gabriel Mercado on the stroke of half-time.