Who will wear number 10 for Argentina in Lionel Messi's absence?

Rumour has it that when Paulo Dybala plays for Argentina, he would be wearing the number 10 shirt. Diego Monroig reports that on Thursday, Dybala will don the number 10 jersey in Lionel Messi's absence.For Argentina's South American World Cup qualification games against Chile and Colombia, Lionel Messi was left from the roster. Lionel Messi, who is presently rehabilitating from an ankle injury sustained in the Copa America final, will not play in the encounter.

Argentina's manager Lionel Scaloni held a press conference to discuss the team's makeup and the addition of Roma forward Paulo Dybala, who was prominently missing from the 2024 Copa America-winning squad. Argentina is getting ready to play Chile and Colombia in their upcoming fixtures in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. 

Scaloni's remarks, in spite of the fact that he left Dybala out of the Copa America, affirm his faith in the player and emphasise the tactical versatility and depth he provides. He said, “The decision to call up Paulo Dybala has nothing to do with him staying in Italy.”

The Argentina manager added, “We value him for what he brings on the pitch. The selection was made with the team’s needs in mind, considering that he could be an asset at any moment. Given the absence of some players, he becomes a valuable option who can make a significant contribution.”

Can Argentina continue their blistering run in the CONMEBOL WC Qualifiers?

In order to preserve their position as the leader of the points table in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Lionel Scaloni's team must continue to play at a high level and earn convincing victories in this doubleheader.

Argentina's first test will take place on home soil on Thursday, September 5, when they take on Chile at Monumental Stadium in River Plate. They will play their next game on Tuesday in Barranquilla, where Colombia is expecting the reigning FIFA World Cup as well as Copa América champions.