In a symbolic moment for Argentine football, Paulo Dybala stepped onto the pitch wearing the legendary No. 10 shirt, usually reserved for Lionel Messi.
During Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Chile in World Cup qualifying, Dybala not only donned the iconic jersey but also left his mark by scoring a goal.
Paulo Dybala Honors Messi by Scoring in Argentina’s No. 10 Shirt Against Chile
For a nation where the No. 10 carries an almost mythical status, Dybala’s performance brought pride and excitement to fans who witnessed the continuation of Argentina’s footballing tradition.
With Messi sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained in the Copa America final, the responsibility of wearing the No. 10 shirt fell on Dybala’s shoulders. While some might find the weight of that shirt overwhelming, the Roma forward embraced the challenge with humility and delivered a solid performance.
Speaking to the media after the match, Dybala acknowledged the honor and significance of wearing Messi’s shirt.
“It’s not my shirt, it belongs to Leo, and we all know that,” Dybala admitted.
“Some of the guys suggested I wear it, and I wasn’t sure at first. But in the end, I felt it was a nice responsibility, and I tried to represent it in the best way possible.”
The game itself saw Argentina put on a dominant second-half display after a frustrating opening period. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring shortly after halftime, capitalizing on a clever dummy from Lautaro Martinez.
Julian Alvarez then doubled Argentina’s lead with a stunning long-range strike that soared into the top-left corner. Dybala, who came on as a substitute, sealed the win with a precise finish, beating Chile’s goalkeeper Gabriel Arias at the near post just minutes into stoppage time.
While Dybala’s goal was a special moment for him personally, it was the occasion of wearing the No. 10 that carried the most significance. Argentina’s footballing folklore is steeped in the legacies of players like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, both of whom have elevated the No. 10 to legendary status.
For Dybala, the chance to wear that shirt, even if only temporarily, was a reminder of the high standards expected from anyone who puts it on.
The victory pushed Argentina five points clear at the top of the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifying standings. For Dybala, though, the night was about more than just points.
It was about honoring a tradition, carrying a legacy, and ensuring that the No. 10 continues to shine even in Messi’s absence.
As Argentina continues their qualifying journey, Dybala’s performance will be remembered not only for his goal but for the way he embraced one of football’s greatest honors with class, humility, and determination.
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