Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has broken several records during his short career, including winning two La Liga titles at just 17. While he continues to add trophies to his cabinet, many stars in the soccer world have praised his talent. One of the latest is Roma and Argentina star Paulo Dybala, who also hinted at comparisons with Lionel Messi.

“I love Lamine Yamal, he’s a player I really like. He’s a special player and different from most players we see today. He has a unique ability. He has an incredible future ahead of him, so let’s hope he keeps entertaining us,” he told journalist Gastón Edul in a TikTok video.

Asked if he had seen players that young be so impactful, Dybala, who is still recovering from surgery on his thigh, hinted at Messi: “Yes, I was a kid, but I think there was one… you know who I’m talking about,” with Edul nodding in agreement.

Since his breakthrough with Barcelona, Yamal has been constantly compared to Messi. However, the Spaniard began his professional career earlier than the Argentine and has already collected five major trophies, including a European Championship and a Copa del Rey.

While Messi didn’t win his first major trophy until he was 18, he went on to become the most decorated player in Barcelona’s history, with 35 titles in the club, including ten La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.

Messi has given his stamp of approval to Lamine Yamal

The Inter Miami star is also aware of the comparisons and has made it clear he appreciates Yamal’s talent. In an interview with ESPN, Messi called Yamal “impressive” and said he still has room to grow.

“He is already a champion. You see him now and it’s like he keeps growing and becoming a bit bolder. At first, it was like he had to pass the ball to someone else, to Lewandowski, for example. That’s normal, he’s still only 17, right? He’s in a process of growth too, and I think he’s going to develop even more as a player and keep adding things to his game,” he said.

“Just like I started, he also began playing on the right. Maybe in a few years, he’ll end up playing differently too. But there’s no doubt he has incredible talent, and right now, he’s already one of the best in the world,” he added.

Dybala was left off the squad list due to a semitendinosus tendon injury that required surgery. The procedure was successfully completed, but the forward is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

“The surgery that Paulo Dybala underwent today was a complete success. In the coming days, he will begin his rehabilitation at Trigoria (Roma’s training facility),” the club stated in an official release.

The injury occurred on March 16 during a match against Cagliari, where Dybala suffered a strain while attempting a backheel pass. He was forced to leave the pitch in tears just 11 minutes after coming on as a substitute in the 64th minute.

Scaloni on Dybala’s absence

In addition to Dybala, Argentina will also be without captain Lionel Messi and striker Lautaro Martínez, both sidelined due to injury. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Scaloni acknowledged Dybala’s absence and its impact on the squad.

“Obviously, it’s sad news. Beyond being an important player, he’s an important person for us,” Scaloni said. “Whenever he’s been with us, he’s given his all. Even when he hasn’t been here, he’s always supported the team.”

“It hurts us on a personal level that he can’t be here. He told us in his message that it pains him not to be with us during these days,” he added. “At this moment, we would have needed him. But the most important thing is for him to recover.”

Dybala’s message to fans

Following the announcement, Dybala took to Instagram to share an emotional message, addressing both Roma and Argentina fans.

“Dear friends, first of all, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support you always show me. After reviewing the test results and consulting different opinions, I have decided to undergo this surgery now to return as soon as possible,” Dybala wrote.

“Even though I’ll be away from the pitch for a while, I will continue to support my Roma teammates in this crucial part of the season and, of course, my national team, which I’ll be following as a fan during these qualifiers,” he continued. “I’ll be back soon, even stronger—I promise. See you on the pitch! Forza Roma and Vamos Argentina!”

Paulo Dybala will miss the match against Uruguay as he is set to undergo surgery in the coming days for a left semitendinosus tendon injury, which will sideline him for an extended period.

In addition to Dybala’s absence, Argentina will also be without its captain Lionel Messi and striker Lautaro Martínez. Both players have been ruled out of this international window due to injuries.

Scaloni addressed Dybala’s absence during a pre-match press conference. “Obviously, it’s sad news. Beyond the player, the person is very important to us,” Scaloni said. “When he’s been with us, he’s given his all, and even when he hasn’t, he’s done the same”.

“It hurts us on a personal level that he can’t be here. He told us in his message that it pains him not to be with us during these days,” he continued. “At this moment, we would have needed him. The most important thing is for him to recover”.

Dybala’s heartfelt message

Following the announcement of his absence, Dybala shared an emotional message on his Instagram account, addressing his fans in Argentina and those of Roma.

“Dear friends, first of all, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the affection you always show me. After the results of the tests and having considered various opinions, I have decided to undergo this surgery now to return as soon as possible,” Dybala wrote.

“Even if I will be temporarily away from the pitch, I will continue to support my Roma teammates in this crucial phase of the season and our national team, which I will follow as one more fan during these qualifying matches,” he continued. “I will be back soon, even stronger, I promise. See you on the pitch! Forza Roma and Vamos Argentina!”

Which games will Dybala miss?

Due to the surgery, Paulo Dybala will be unavailable for Claudio Ranieri’s Roma as they push for a spot in one of UEFA’s competitions for the upcoming season, whether it’s the Conference League, Europa League, or Champions League.

Here’s a look at the Serie A fixtures Dybala is expected to miss through mid-year: Lecce (A), Juventus (H), Lazio (A), Hellas Verona (H), Inter Milan (A), Fiorentina (H), Atalanta (A), AC Milan (H), and Torino (A). Additionally, Dybala will miss Argentina’s schedule, including next World Cup Qualifier against Brazil, a marquee matchup in their campaign.

The AS Roma striker also started on the bench in the match against Chile, but Scaloni decided to put him on the field at the 79th minute, replacing Alexis Mac Allister. Dybala thanked Scaloni with a great goal, after an assist from Alejandro Garnacho.

While Dybala isn’t the usual starter for Argentina, he usually delivers when it is his time to play. His commitment was rewarded when he inherited, at least during this international break, Messi’s No. 10 in Inter Miami’s star absence.

“I know it’s not my shirt, we all know it belongs to Leo. 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,” Dybala said after the game against Chile.

Meanwhile, Messi is set to return to the national team for the next international break, which is scheduled for October 10th. The captain could play again with Inter Miami against Philadelphia Union on September 14.

Argentina’s line up against Colombia

The visitors line up included: Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, Nico Gonzalez; Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez.

Some of the changes, compared to the lineup against Chile, included the absence of Alexis Mac Allister and Nahuel Molina. However, Alvarez, who scored against Chile, and Martinez start again. Martinez has scored in his last three matches against Colombia.

The Manchester United sensation came on after 79 minutes for Lautaro Martinez, but his time on the field was enough for him to leave his mark on the game. In fact, Garnacho got to assist one of his idols.

Shortly after the 20-year-old provided an assist for Dybala’s goal in Buenos Aires, a picture of a young Garnacho with a Dybala shirt went viral on social media. And the winger even reacted to the picture with an emotional message: “Just football.”

The picture of a young Alejandro Garnacho with the Dybala jersey in 2016 went viral thanks to the winger’s brother, Roberto, who shared the photo on his X (formerly Twitter) account. A dream come true.

A special night both for Garnacho and Dybala with Argentina

The 3-0 victory against Chile was quite special for this promising duo on the Argentine national team. While Dybala got to score in his return to La Albiceleste after missing the 2024 Copa America, Garnacho got to play in Argentina for the first time.

Until today, the Manchester United youngster had only played for Argentina in China, Indonesia, Bolivia, and the United States. Will we see more of Dybala and Garnacho together on the international stage? With Angel Di Maria retired and Lionel Messi in his twilight years, fans hope a new duo is born in Argentina.

“I know this is not my shirt, it is Leo’s,” Dybala told TyC Sports in his postgame interview. For a moment, the 30-year-old made it look like Messi was playing in Buenos Aires tonight.

Let’s keep in mind the Inter Miami star wasn’t called up for the September international break due to the ankle injury he suffered during the 2024 Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia.

But instead of saving the iconic No. 10, Lionel Scaloni and his staff decided to let Dybala have the chance to wear this emblematic jersey. And the former Juventus star was up to it.

Scaloni, Mac Alister echoe Dybala’s sentiment: Messi still owns Argentina’s No. 10

Speaking to the media ahead of the September double-fixture, Scaloni let everyone know Messi is still Argentina’s No. 10, even if it was the turn for other players to wear it during his absence in the World Cup Qualifiers.

“When Messi hasn’t been available, the number 10 has been worn by Correa and other players. It’s not an issue; we know the 10 has an owner,” Scaloni said in reference to Messi.

Another Argentine World Cup champion who made this clear was Alexis Mac Alister, who stated: “Take care of the shirt? (Messi’s 10) No, the number 10 is Messi’s and no one else’s.”

Dybala sees it that way too, but in the meantime, he’s proving the shirt is in good hands. After helping Argentina thrash Chile, the midfielder will be looking to leave his mark against Colombia on Tuesday, Sep. 10.

The upcoming 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, currently features the reigning world and Copa America champions at the top of the South American qualifiers. Under the leadership of Lionel Scaloni, the team will aim to defend their title, but first they must navigate a challenging double-header in the qualifiers to maintain their position as the sole leader in the standings.

First up, Argentina will face Chile in Buenos Aires on Thursday, September 5th. Following that, on September 10th, the Albiceleste will travel to Colombia to take on the hosts in a rematch of the last Copa America 2024 final.

While Lionel Messi’s absence was expected due to his ankle injury sustained in the continental final, the coaching staff has unveiled a squad list featuring some surprising selections. For example, former NYCFC forward Taty Castellanos is one of the many surprises in Argentina’s Messi-less national team call-up.

Not only is Messi the notable absence from this squad, but this match will also mark the first time Argentina’s national team will have another idol, now retired, watching from the stands. That player is none other than Angel Di María, who announced his retirement following the team’s triumph in the Copa America 2024.

The last-minute call-up of a star player

Just when it seemed that Lionel Scaloni and his coaching staff had finalized the squad, a surprising last-minute call-up has expanded the list even further. A high-profile forward has arrived as a late reinforcement for the attack.

The player is none other than Paulo Dybala, the current star of AS Roma. Although he had not been called up recently, he has always been highly regarded by the staff. The Cordoba native has just turned down a lucrative offer from Arab football to continue playing in Serie A with La Loba.

The complete list of call-ups

With the notable absences of Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, along with surprise call-ups such as Taty Castellanos, Giuliano Simeone, and Matias Soule, here is the final list of players selected by the Argentina national team to face Chile and Colombia.

The double-header for Argentina

• vs Chile, September 5h – Estadio Monumental (Buenos Aires)
• vs Colombia, September 10th – Estadio Metropolitano (Barranquilla)

Dybala finished last season with 16 goals in 39 games for the Roman giants, but it seems that Roma is willing to entertain a last-minute transfer. According to Gaston Edul, both clubs and the player are discussing the possibility of a move.

Dybala has not made a final decision on whether he wants to move to Saudi Arabia, but Al-Qadsiah and Roma have entered talks for a transfer.

Al-Qadsiah Club History

Al-Qadsiah FC, founded in 1967 and based in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, was initially known for its success in local competitions. The club has experienced a series of highs and lows throughout its history. Al-Qadsiah won its first Saudi Pro League title in the 1992-93 season, establishing itself as a competitive force in Saudi football. Despite periods of relegation and promotion, the team has consistently been a strong contender in the league, with notable achievements including multiple King Cup victories. The club’s passionate fan base and its development of local talent underscore its significant role in Saudi football.

Currently, the team is coached by Spanish legend Míchel and has on its roster Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nahitan Nández, Ezequiel Fernández of Boca Juniors fame, Nacho Fernández, and Koen Casteels.

Dybala would automatically become one of the biggest star signings of the Saudi Pro League since the arrival of Neymar and Karim Benzema.

With the main objective of contending for the Serie A title alongside Inter, Milan, and Juventus, among others, the Roman side has bolstered their squad with several new faces. Roma has signed Spanish full-back Angelino, French midfielder Enzo Le Feé, and Spanish league revelation Artem Dovbyk as key additions. All of them will support the team’s star player: Paulo Dybala.

However, the future of the 30-year-old from Cordoba seems to be changing drastically at the start of the 2024-25 season. Dybala joined Roma in mid-2022 and signed a three-year contract, which included a release clause lower than his market value, set at €12 million for foreign leagues and €16 million for Italian teams.

What was unknown until now is that his release clause was valid only for the first two years of the contract. It expired in the third year, which is what happened in recent days on the eve of the 2024-25 season. Specifically, if any team wants to sign Paulo Dybala this season, they will now need to negotiate directly with Roma, which was not the case just a few weeks ago.

In the final year of his contract with the capital club, Dybala no longer controls his future on his own. Should an offer arrive, Roma will have the first say, and given that he is considered their star player, it seems unlikely they would want to part with him.

Saudi Arabia is tempting Paulo Dybala

Many media outlets in the Italian capital, such as Voce Giallo Rossa and Corriere dello Sport, have revealed that teams from the Arab league are not giving up on acquiring Dybala. What was once a straightforward negotiation with the execution of the release clause now requires a formal discussion with the Roman club beforehand.

The Saudi Investment Fund aims to acquire Dybala’s registration to place him in one of its four teams (Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahly, Al-Nassr, or Al-Hilal) and is tempting him with a €20 million contract for two years. Although Dybala is intrigued by the opportunity, it currently seems distant due to the implications of moving to Saudi Arabia both sportingly and as a life decision

Should he eventually accept a move to Saudi Arabia or any other destination, AS Roma is targeting striker Edon Zhegrova as his replacement. The Kosovo native, who is 25 years old, is a standout player for Lille in the French league. However, Daniele De Rossi’s main intention is to continue having Paulo Dybala with the team this season.

Paulo Dybala speaks about his future

A few weeks ago, the forward gave an interview to The Athletic in which he discussed his future: “I’ve been in Italy for almost 12 years, and I’m living an incredible moment. It’s hard for me to see myself away from Italy because I’ve grown up here. Italy has everything for me. It would be difficult to leave, but obviously, there is also the curiosity of seeing how I could perform in other leagues,” he said, prioritizing the Italian league while keeping the door open to other challenges.

De Rossi’s opinion on Dybala’s potential departure

Daniele De Rossi, in response to rumors about Dybala’s potential departure, recently stated: “When I was asked if there was anyone who needed to be kept tied down in Rome, I said no. Anyone who wants to leave is free to do so. Those who are here are all Roma players; we will see what happens, but what I’m saying is not based on him or the rumors I read.”

The goals AS Roma has set for the 2024/2025 season

Daniele De Rossi’s Roma dreams of clinching the Scudetto once again. It’s been over 20 years since their last title, which came in the 2000/2001 season. But that’s not their only goal. The team also aims to win the Coppa Italia and the Europa League, starting their campaign in the group stage.

The wedding guest list included many celebrities and sports figures, highlighting several players from the Argentine National Soccer Team who shared the World Cup-winning squad with Dybala in Qatar 2022.

Among the attendees were Copa America champions like Angel Di Maria, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, Giovanni Lo Celso, Rodrigo De Paul, and Cristian Romero, all accompanied by their respective partners.

However, there were several notable absences. The most significant was team captain Lionel Messi, who remained in the United States to recover from an ankle injury sustained in the Copa America final against Colombia.

Other players missing from Dybala and Sabatini’s celebration included Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Otamendi, and Geronimo Rulli, who are committed to the Argentine U-23 team for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.

Argentine National Team players who didn’t attend Paulo Dybala’s wedding

For different reasons, either due to club commitments or injuries, the world champion players who did not attend Dybala’s wedding are:

• Emiliano Martinez
• Franco Armani
• Geronimo Rulli
• Juan Foyth
• Nahuel Molina
• Gonzalo Montiel
• Lisandro Martinez
• Nicolas Otamendi
• German Pezzella
• Nicolas Tagliafico
• Marcos Acuña
• Guido Rodriguez
• Alejandro Gomez
• Alexis Mac Allister
• Exequiel Palacios
• Thiago Almada
• Lautaro Martinez
• Julian Alvarez
• Lionel Messi
• Angel Correa

While there were suspicions that his exclusion could be due to injury or physical issues, coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Dybala’s absence was purely based on footballing reasons. Head coach stated he found better alternatives for Dybala’s position.

When asked about his absence from the squad list, Dybala told The Athletic in an interview: “I was confident about making the team, so it was tough for me. But i also understand that out coach faces difficult decisions. We have so many talented players across Europe’s teams, so I respect his choice“.

Dybala was one of the few World Cup champions from Qatar 2022 with Argentina who didn’t feature in the 2024 Copa America squad for the Albiceleste. This is why the forward will also miss the final and will cheer from the sidelines like any other fan.

“I will be cheering from home, as i always do when i’m not with the team. I have many friends there, and i sincerely hope they can win the Copa America again.”

A determinant player for the Argentina national team

Despite not participating in this edition of the Copa America, Dybala has proven to be a key factor in Argentina’s recent titles. In the Finalissima 2022, he scored the third goal as Argentina defeated 3-0 Italy, and in the Qatar 2022 final, he was one of the penalty takers against France.