Paulo Dybala spoke humbly about wearing the iconic Argentina number 10 shirt, usually reserved for Lionel Messi, after scoring in their 3-0 win over Chile in the South American World Cup qualifiers. Dybala acknowledged that the shirt belongs to Messi, saying, “I know it’s not my shirt, we all know it belongs to Leo.”
Dybala was brought on as a substitute and scored with his left foot, making it a special goal. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to wear the number 10 shirt, saying, “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’s goal completed Argentina’s 3-0 win, with Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez also scoring. The win strengthens Argentina’s position at the top of the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying table. Messi was absent due to an ankle injury suffered during the 2024 Copa America final.
Dybala’s performance and humility have earned him praise, with some noting that he made the number 10 shirt look like it belonged to him. However, Dybala remains clear that the shirt belongs to Messi, and he is simply honored to have had the opportunity to wear it.