"We will wait until that day" - Lionel Scaloni responds when asked if Lionel Messi will be called up for Argentina in next international break
Argentina national team manager Lionel Scaloni spoke about Lionel Messi's possible inclusion into the squad. The Argentine attacker was not part of the team for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Chile (September 5) and Colombia (September 10) this month.
Messi is currently still nursing the ankle injury he suffered in Argentina's victorious 2024 Copa America tournament. The 37-year-old limped off in the second half against Colombia in the final, which La Albiceleste won in extra time.
Scaloni was asked about recalling Lionel Messi back into the squad for the next set of internationals in October. He responded that they will take a late call, giving him the best chance to get fit before announcing the squad.
"Regarding Messi, we hope he plays soon. When it's time to announce the next squad, we'll talk to him. We will wait until that day, in about two weeks. Then we’ll see if he's in condition to join," said Scaloni via All About Argentina.
Argentina won their first match this month in Messi's absence, defeating Chile 3-0 in dominating fashion.
"I know it's not mine" - Dybala on wearing Lionel Messi's Argentina No. 10 jersey
Lionel Scaloni's side defeated Chile 3-0 at the Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires courtesy of goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Paulo Dybala.
Dybala received a late call-up to the side and was handed the honor of wearing Lionel Messi's number 10 jersey against Chile. The AS Roma forward lived up to the responsibility handed to him by scoring in stoppage time after coming off the bench.
Dybala spoke about the iconic jersey and admitted that it is Lionel Messi's shirt, which will be his once he's back with the team. He added that he thought he did his best to represent the No. 10 jersey in the best way.
"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," Dybala said.
After handing him the jersey, Scaloni spoke to the press saying Dybala deserves it.
"Paulo deserves it. He has the experience and talent to carry the number, and we shouldn’t put too much weight on it. It’s an honour," the Argentina coach said via India Today.
After the match, Dybala posted a picture of himself celebrating the goal wearing the No. 10 jersey on his Instagram account.
Dybala is expected to be back in action when Argentina travel to Colombia for their next World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, September 10.