Lionel Messi’s first match at the 2026 World Cup was one for the record books. The living legend scored a hat trick against Algeria as Argentina began its defense of the 2022 World Cup win, and with his third goal, he pulled level with Miroslav Klose atop the list of all-time goal scorers in World […]
Paulo Dybala managed to be one of the protagonists of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, he has not been included by head coach Lionel Scaloni in Argentina’s roster for the 2026 edition, making him a notable absence. After winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Argentina arrive as one of the favorites to win the 2026 edition. To achieve that, they make their debut in the competition today against Algeria. Despite their veteran status, Lionel Messi and Nicolás Otamendi are part of the roster that will play in this tournament. However, Paulo Dybala emerges as La Albiceleste’s major absence, as he remains a starter for AS Roma and does not have any injuries. Paulo Dybala has been left out of Argentina’s roster for the 2026 World Cup due to tactical decisions. Despite still playing for AS Roma, he is already 32 years old and never consolidated himself as an undisputed starter under Lionel Scaloni. Because of this, he has decided to bet on different players, as Lionel Messi emerges as the starter in that position and they are looking for promising players as his replacement. “Paulo is a great player, it goes without saying… There are kids who make their debut and show important things. In our case, there are kids who have consolidated themselves in that area of the field and deserve an opportunity… There is no doubt about the quality he has, we care about him and he is a fantastic guy, but we look at the present and what others can offer us looking toward the future,” Scaloni revealed, via TyC Sports. Along with the decision to bet on promising players, Dybala is coming off a season marked by injuries. After suffering two muscle injuries and two knee injuries, he missed 19 matches with AS Roma. Because of this, he played only 27 matches, scoring three goals and providing eight assists. Despite this, he appears close to renewing his contract, with this being a key step in fighting for his return to Argentina by gaining more playing time. Paulo Dybala of Argentina kisses the FIFA World Cup winning trophy. Thiago Almada and Nico Paz endanger Dybala’s Argentina future Seeking a generational transition, head coach Lionel Scaloni has decided to bet on very young players for the 2026 World Cup. Although Argentina still have some veterans in the squad, they have incorporated Thiago Almada and Nico Paz as key parts of their sporting project. Because of this, Paulo Dybala’s return to La Albiceleste could become more complicated than expected. Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Almada and Paz could gain significant prominence. As both are creative players with plenty of pace, they could be the key to Lionel Messi’s future retirement. If they manage to shine over the coming years, Dybala may not return to La Albiceleste, as he would already be 35 years old by the 2028 Copa América.
Milan has made one of the most significant coaching decisions of the summer by appointing Ruben Amorim as the club’s new head coach, creating fresh intrigue around the future direction of the Rossoneri and the role key players could have under the Portuguese tactician. While Christian Pulisic is focused on helping the United States at the 2026 World Cup, major developments have unfolded back in Italy. Milan has made one of the most significant coaching decisions of the summer by appointing Ruben Amorim as the club’s new head coach, creating fresh intrigue around the future direction of the Rossoneri and the role key players could have under the Portuguese tactician. The announcement arrives at a pivotal moment for Milan. After a disappointing end to the season, the club opted for sweeping changes behind the scenes, and Amorim now finds himself entrusted with restoring one of European soccer’s most historic institutions to the top level. Milan’s decision comes after a turbulent campaign that ended in frustration. Despite spending much of the Serie A season competing near the top of the table, a poor run during the closing weeks saw the club slip to fifth place and miss out on qualification for the UEFA Champions League. That collapse prompted significant changes throughout the organization. Massimiliano Allegri was dismissed, while several senior executives also departed as ownership deemed the season an unacceptable failure. The club’s American ownership group, RedBird Capital Partners, quickly identified Amorim as the coach capable of leading the next chapter. Welcoming our new head coach, Rúben Amorim ✍️ pic.twitter.com/N6JizMF9Fq— AC Milan (@acmilan) June 16, 2026 Amorim’s road back to the top The move to Milan represents a significant opportunity for Amorim. Before his brief and difficult spell at Manchester United, the Portuguese coach had established himself as one of Europe’s brightest managerial talents through his work at Sporting Lisbon. During his time in Lisbon, he built a reputation for developing young players, implementing a modern tactical system, and delivering major trophies. His tenure in England, however, failed to meet expectations. After being dismissed midway through the season, questions emerged about whether his reputation would recover. Milan believes the answer is yes. Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United. The Rossoneri are convinced that the coach who transformed Sporting remains one of Europe’s most promising tactical minds. At just 41 years old, Amorim now receives an opportunity to rebuild his standing on one of soccer’s biggest stages. How it could impact Christian Pulisic The most intriguing aspect of the appointment concerns what it could mean for Pulisic once his World Cup campaign concludes. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Amorim’s preferred tactical systems, particularly his 3-4-2-1 formation, appear ideally suited to many of Pulisic’s strengths. ,Rather than operating strictly as a traditional winger, the American thrives when given freedom to drift into central areas, combine between the lines, and attack spaces behind defenders. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan. ,According to tactical analysis from the Italian outlet, the Portuguese coach favors two attacking midfielders playing behind a central striker. Those roles require creativity, movement, intelligence, and pressing intensity. Pulisic checks every box. Reports in Italy have even suggested that an attacking midfield pairing featuring Pulisic and Christopher Nkunku could fit naturally within Amorim’s preferred structure, thanks to their ability to operate in half-spaces and influence games between defensive lines. For the USMNT star, the coaching change may offer an opportunity to become even more influential than he was under previous management.
In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey mentioned that Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs hoping to land Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic. It has been claimed that Spurs would have to compete w...
