'It's Still Leo's Shirt': Paulo Dybala Reflects On Taking Lionel Messi's Place In Argentina

Lionel Messi is facing a lengthy absence for Argentina after picking up a serious ankle injury in their 1-0 win over Cameroon in the final of Copa America 2024 back in July.

In his absence, Paulo Dybala has stepped in to replace Lionel Messi in the Argentine National Team and taken over his iconic jersey number 10 for the ongoing FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

Paulo Dybala reflects on taking Lionel Messi's place 

Paulo Dybala made the most of his opportunity as he netted the 3rd goal in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Chile. Talking post game on taking Lionel Messi's place, Paulo Dybala said that he doesn't think about taking Leo's place instead just wants to do his best when he's asked to do so. 

“Being able to come back, being here with my team-mates, with our spectacular people who support me a lot and the truth is that well, it's special. 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 give my best and I think I was able to do it," revealed Paulo Dybala. 

Paulo Dybala further revealed that getting the number 10 jersey wasn't his decision.

“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,” said Paulo Dybala to TYC Sport. 

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Alexis Mac Allister in the 48th minute, Julián Álvarez in the 84th, and Paulo Dybala in the 90+1 minute had the goals. Argentina maintained their dominating streak in the competition with this triumph, guaranteeing their sixth victory out of seven games played and matching a somewhat outstanding goal difference of +9. 

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With eighteen points from seven games, Argentina keeps leading the CONMEBOL 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification rankings.