Paulo Dybala recently wore Lionel Messi’s iconic No. 10 jersey while turning out for Argentina. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is still recuperating from an ankle injury and in his absence, Dybala had the opportunity to wear the number during Argentina’s World Cup Qualifier game against Chile.
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After La Albiceleste’s dominant victory, Dybala spoke to TyC Sports about the special moment.
“I know it’s not my shirt, we all know it’s Leo’s shirt but well, I tried to represent it in the best way, to go in to give my best and I think I was able to do it,” Dybala said in the interview.
Dybala scored Argentina’s final goal at the Estadio Mas Monumental in a 3-0 win. The Argentine came into the game as a substitute. After arriving on the pitch, he made an impact while wearing the special shirt.
He scored in added time, courtesy a sublime assist from Alejandro Garnacho to get his team to a three-goal lead. Julian Alvarez and Alexis Mac Allister scored the first two goals.
Speaking about the game in the post-match interview, Dybala explained his joy of returning with the national team. “Being able to come back, being here with my teammates, with our spectacular people who support me a lot and the truth is that well, it’s special,” he said.
“It was a decision made by the coaching staff, some of the boys said that it had to be me… I didn’t know whether to accept it or not because, well, it is a responsibility,” he added.
Dybala’s additiona did make a difference as Argentina maintain their position on top in the World Cup 2026 qualifying table. In seven games they have sealed six wins and one defeat. They are next scheduled to play the 2024 Copa America finalists Colombia.
The fixture between Argentina and Colombia will take place at the Estadio Metropolitano on September 11.
As for Messi, the Inter Miami star is not expected to return to competitive games until the playoff stage of the Major League Soccer (MLS) that is scheduled to commence next month.
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