In the midst of the preparation of the Argentine National Team for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Lionel Messi surprised everyone with an emotional message directed at Paulo Dybala, who has been called up at the last minute to replace the Rosario star.

With Messi absent due to an ankle injury, Lionel Scaloni’s coaching staff decided to include Dybala in the list of players who will face Chile and Colombia in the coming days. The news of the call-up was received with great enthusiasm by the fans, but also with a touch of nostalgia due to Messi’s absence.

The Argentine captain did not hesitate to express his support and admiration for Dybala through a public message: “Paulo, you know that the team needs you and I am sure that you will do incredibly well. I have always trusted you and now is your time to shine. Go Argentina!”

Messi’s message resonated on social media and among the Albiceleste’s fans, who hope Dybala will take charge and continue the team’s positive run in the qualifiers. The Roma player, who recently rejected a million-dollar offer from Arab football to stay in Serie A, is motivated and ready to take on the challenge.

With this addition, the final list of players called up by Lionel Scaloni includes names that promise to fight in the upcoming matches, highlighting the absences of Messi and Ángel Di María, and the presence of young promises such as Taty Castellanos, Giuliano Simeone and Matías Soulé.

Argentina will face Chile in Buenos Aires on September 5, and will then travel to Colombia for the match on September 10, where they will seek to maintain their lead in the South American qualifiers.

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