“I wasn’t sure if I should accept” - Paulo Dybala on wearing Lionel Messi’s No. 10 jersey after scoring in 3-0 win over Chile
Paulo Dybala recently weighed on his apprehension to wear Lionel Messi's iconic No. 10 jersey on international duty for Argentina. The former Barcelona star is currently recovering from a ligament injury he sustained during the 2024 Copa America final in July.
In Round 7 of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Argentina beat Chile 3-0 at home on Thursday (September 5). Next, La Albiceleste will travel to Colombia for another qualifier on Tuesday (September 10). In Messi's absence, the jersey No. 10 was handed over to Dybala by manager Lionel Scaloni for the match against Chile.
After the match, the Roma forward spoke about how he tried to represent Lionel Messi's jersey in the best way possible.
"I know it’s not my shirt; we all know it belongs to Leo," Paulo Dybala said (via All About Argentina on X). "I tried to represent it in the best way possible. Some of the guys said I should wear it. I wasn’t sure if I should accept it, but it’s a very nice responsibility."
The No. 10 jersey has been iconic for La Alibeceleste ever since late Diego Maradona wore it in the 1986 World Cup.
Paulo Dybala scores on his Argentina return, wearing Lionel Messi's jersey number
Dybala was not picked in the Argentina squad for their victorious 2024 Copa America campaign despite scoring 16 goals and providing 10 assists in 39 appearances for Roma in 2023-24.
He rejected a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia over the summer to resurrect his international career. Manager Lionel Scaloni recently said (via TribalFootball):
“Paulo’s call-up has nothing to do with him staying in Italy. We consider what each player can give on the pitch. I made this decision considering the team’s needs and because we may need him anytime."
After being included in the Argentine squad, Dybala was handed the No. 10 jersey. Wearing Lionel Messi's jersey number comes with its own set of pressure. However, the 30-year-old was unfazed as he scored the final goal in Argentina's 3-0 win over Chile on Thursday.
He came off the bench in the 79th minute to make his first appearance for the national side in over a year. Paulo Dybala made an immediate impact, smashing the ball into the net with his left foot from a tight angle.