"It was a hard blow not to go to the Copa America"

Roma striker Paulo Dybala expressed his ‘respect’ for Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, but acknowledged that it is "a very hard blow" not to play in the next Copa America, where the Albiceleste will defend the title won in 2021 in Brazil.

"I was confident of being part of the team, so it was a very hard blow for me because being part of the national team is one of the best things I've ever had," explained the player in an interview with ‘The Athletic’, a specialised publication of the US daily New York Times.

The player, who missed the last Copa America but was a 2022 World Cup winner with Scaloni's side, understands that the coach "finds it difficult to choose" as he has "so many good players in teams all over Europe" and can only select 26.

"I respect his decision. I have always told him that. I have a great relationship with him and he has certainly chosen the best for the Argentina national team," he said.

Dybala said he will be cheering on the ‘Albiceleste’ from home because he has "many friends" in the squad led by Lionel Messi and wished "wholeheartedly" for Argentina to win the title.