Back in 2022 at Lusail Stadium, when Argentina celebrated their World Cup triumph, Paulo Dybala played his part in that historic night by scoring in the penalty shootout. But as time has passed, the familiar face that once shared the joy of world glory now finds himself left out in the cold. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the 32-year-old forward was not even included in Lionel Scaloni’s preliminary 55-man squad.
Although Dybala’s omission has sparked discussions across the football world, there are several strong and realistic reasons behind the decision. Injuries and inconsistency in form have ultimately pushed the star out of Scaloni’s plans.
Why is Dybala missing?
1. Persistent fitness problems
For more than a year, Dybala has struggled with recurring muscle injuries. He has not appeared for Argentina since September 2024. Even at AS Roma, he has been inconsistent this season. Throughout the campaign, he managed to complete the full 90 minutes in only six matches — far from enough to prove his fitness at the highest level.
2. Scaloni’s new tactical approach
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni now prioritizes a high-pressing and fast counter-attacking style of football. While Dybala remains a uniquely creative player, he falls behind the younger generation when it comes to off-the-ball movement and defensive contribution. Maintaining the intensity required by Scaloni’s system has become a challenge for him.
3. Argentina’s abundance of young talent
Argentina currently has no shortage of dynamic young players. As part of the preparation for the post-Messi era, Scaloni is giving more opportunities to rising talents. While Spain coach Luis de la Fuente is willing to take risks to have Lamine Yamal available despite injuries, Scaloni has chosen not to gamble on Dybala’s condition and instead place his trust in younger legs.
A Career That Slowed Behind the Numbers
Since making his Argentina debut in 2015, Dybala has played only 40 matches for the national team in nearly a decade, scoring just four goals. Considering his talent, many analysts believe those numbers are underwhelming for a player of his quality.
Although he was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad, he played only 17 minutes throughout the tournament. Of course, his penalty in the final shootout will forever remain unforgettable, but in terms of long-term planning, the team management now finds it difficult to keep him in the project.
Not being included in the preliminary 55-man squad means the door to the 2026 World Cup is almost closed for Dybala. While this is heartbreaking for fans, it clearly shows that Scaloni values performance and fitness over emotion.
The question now remains: has the magic of Paulo Dybala in an Argentina shirt truly come to an end after just 40 matches?