Messi-less Argentina call up Paulo Dybala for World Cup qualifiers
Roma forward Dybala has not made an international appearance since March 2023 but could get an opportunity to add to his 38 caps in Lionel Messi's absence.
Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia through injury, with Paulo Dybala recalled to coach Lionel Scaloni's squad on Monday.
Messi has not played for club side Inter Miami since suffering an ankle injury in Argentina's 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final.
Roma forward Dybala has not made an international appearance since March 2023 but could get an opportunity to add to his 38 caps in Messi's absence.
The reigning world champions will also be without Ángel Di María after the veteran winger's international retirement.
Argentina are currently top of South American qualifying for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The top six teams in the 10-nation table will qualify automatically for the finals.
Scaloni's men will host Chile on September 6, before facing Colombia in Barranquilla four days later.
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa, England), Juan Musso (Atalanta, Italy), Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique Marseille, France), Walter Benítez (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands).
Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla, Spain), Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid, Spain), Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique Marseille, France), Cristian Romero (Tottenham, England), Germán Pezzella (River Plate, Argentina), Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica, Portugal), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United, England), Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon, France), Valentín Barco (Sevilla, Spain).
Midfielders: Guido Rodríguez (West Ham United, England), Leandro Paredes (Roma, Italy), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool, England), Rodrigo De Paul (Atlético Madrid, Spain), Ezequiel Fernández (Al Qadsiah, Saudi Arabia), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea, England), Giovani Lo Celso (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Nicolás González (Fiorentina, Italy).
Forwards: Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United, England), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan, Italy), Valentín Carboni (Monza, Italy), Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid, Spain), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético Madrid, Spain), Valentín Castellanos (Lazio, Italy), Matías Soulé (Roma, Italy), Paulo Dybala (Roma, Italy).
– TIMES/AFP
related news
-
Stories that caught our eye: September 6 to 13
-
Maradona medical team's negligence trial postponed to next year
-
Messi-less Albiceleste drop points – but no need to panic
-
Pochettino will relish taking on Pulisic's call for USA culture change
-
Pochettino appointed as new coach of United States' national team
-
Colombia avenge Copa América loss with victory over Argentina
-
Top firms in Argentina backing F1 rookie Franco Colapinto
-
Stories that caught our eye: August 31 to September 6
-
'I feel abandoned': Woman who accused French rugby players of rape slams courts
-
Argentina cruise past Chile in World Cup qualifiers after homage to Di María