Roma forward Paulo Dybala expressed his "respect" for Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, but acknowledged that it is "a very hard blow" not to play in the upcoming Copa América, where Albiceleste will defend the title won in 2021 in Brazil.

"I had confidence in 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 had," explained the Laguna Larga (Córdoba province) native in an interview with The Athletic, a specialized publication of the New York Times.

The footballer, who missed the last Copa América but was a champion in the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup with the 'Scaloneta', understands that it is "difficult for the coach 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 undoubtedly chosen the best for the Argentine national team," he asserted.

Dybala assured that he will cheer for Albiceleste from home, as he has "many friends" on the squad led by Lionel Messi and wished "with all his heart" that Argentina wins the title.

On May 20, Scaloni announced a list of 29 players for the upcoming international friendlies ahead of the Copa América: against Ecuador on June 9 in Chicago; and against Guatemala on the 14th in Washington.

The coach will count on 22 of the 26 players who achieved victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, including Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), the national team captain, and Ángel Di María (Benfica).

Argentina will debut in the Copa América on June 20 against Canada; then face Chile on the 25th; and conclude their participation in Group A against Peru.