‘It had to be me' - Dybala gives reason why he took Messi’s iconic jersey

Messi was unavailable to play for Argentina, having suffered an injury that ruled him out of the game against Chile.

Argentina defeated Chile 3-0 with the World Cup winner as they continued their impressive form.

However, the shocking moment of the game was when Dybala wore the iconic jersey of eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.

Paulo Dybala was seen wearing Argentina's No. 10 jersey, which belongs to Lionel Messi, during the game against Chile.

Speaking to TyC Sports after the game, Dybala said, “Being able to come back, being here with my team-mates, with our spectacular people who support me a lot and the truth is that well, it's special. 

“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.

“It was a decision made by the coaching staff, some of the boys said that it had to be me… I didn’t know whether to accept it or not because, well, it is a responsibility.”

However, he acknowledged it was "Leo's shirt" because he was covering for the injured superstar Messi.

Messi sustained an ankle injury during the 2024 Copa America final, which made him miss Di Maria’s emotional farewell departure from the national team.

He has been unable to play for his country and Inter Miami of the Major League Soccer due to this illness.