It's been a poor opening to the Copa America for Argentina so far, despite the Albiceleste being one of the pre-tournament favourites, and Lionel Messi's international frustrations have continued in Brazil.
Lionel Scaloni trialled an XI with Paulo Dybala among the starters on Thursday, but the Juventus player was again cast aside, showing that he's no more than a peripheral player for his country as he continues to struggle to coexist with Messi.
The story has repeated itself since starting under Edgardo Bauza in 2016. Dybala debuted against Uruguay as Messi scored the only goal in a 1-0 win, but La Joya was dismissed on the stroke of half-time for a second yellow card.
Then came Jorge Sampaoli in 2017 who tried to bring them together, but a relationship never formed on the pitch and Dybala himself acknowledged it.
"It's going to seem strange, what I'm about to say," said Dybala at a press conference.
"It's a bit difficult to play with Messi for Argentina because we both play in the same position. I'm the one who has to adapt to make him feel comfortable."
His words weren't let slide, either, and they were held against Dybala and used by his critics as a stick to beat him with.
He barely played 20 minutes in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, coming on with Croatia already 3-0 up.
But Scaloni started to use him a bit in Messi's absence, though the Barcelona captain's return raises questions.
"Leo and Paulo are compatible," insisted the coach earlier this year while looking ahead to the Copa America.
"But you have to work on it. Surely with time they can do it, but now it's not right.
"We have a lot of time to prepare."
Name2Blame
167
1St Match :Loss 2nd Match: Tied 3rd Match: You know what I mean!! Messi and his men's all the way!!! From a Ronaldo fanboy
The_GOAT_Messi
136
Messi and Dybala need to work together if they want to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Latbcdu
115
I don't think there's anything wrong with this formation..you can pair the two
khe_la
77
Remember Bojan Krkic? Who became the youngest player for Barca in La Liga breaking Messi's record in 2007? He showed his class and sheer talent that season scoring 10 goals. However, he got ignored in next three seasons in Barca, moved to Roma and ultimately lost into oblivion. This is always the outcome of 'forming' a team around Messi, both in Barca and Argentina. Somehow, coaches start to act dumb and either never include the best talents in the playing 11 or play them in unfamiliar positions. Bojan, Thiago Alcantara, Rafinha, Samper, Munir, Halilovic, Malcom, Coutinho.. in Barca. Icardi, Lamela, Dybala, Correa (both Angel and Joaquin)... in Argentina. The list goes on. Forming a team around Messi always come at the expense of your next best player. Yet somehow the blind fans always think either the coaches are 'stupid' or it's the fault of others that they cannot suit with Messi, as if Messi is beyond everything - not bound to suit with others. Smh!
AN-WAR
63
Xybala is right : Look at this picture The first picture : 11 players that means Unity The second picture : 2 players. Where is Unity and others players. It is like mental pressure for Messi.
jiueipty
55
Everyone wants a coach who can come up with a plan that suits Messi's style of play, why can't Messi adapt to the team's style of play for the good of Argentina?? Argentina will continue being disorganized as long as they keep on playing for Messi.
Athenkosi01
53
It's really tough for Dybala he plays with both GOAT's & still he doesn't connect well with both. I hope he finds his way to & scores goals for Argentina national team.
tepaoruy
49
messi, dybala combination have never been encourage, certain quarters in the Argentina camp just don't want it to happen, this is modern football Era, along with icardi, come to think of it, Argentina have never for the past six years or so, they have never played their best eleven, neither have they taken their best squad to any tournament for some time now, too much politics in Argentina football
Yoccdlmy
46
Messi need Dybala if want to win something with Argentina. last year they complain about Huguan this year who's next sham on you Messi. Messi should look to CR7 he have no problem with any player that's why their are performing well
Addie1784
44
Not only Dybala. They've casted away Icardi also, a word class striker and I don't wanna hear about whose wife he stole because he didn't kidnap her. That should have nothing to do with football . This team has one of the best players in the world but it's sad to say because of division they won't prosper.
Vaddiku
42
this is complete nonsense. saying that the two can't play together affect the players phycologically especially Dybala.the coach should make them believe that they can play together, give dybala the free role and let Messi take the right flank.
Mosanya
40
Dybala is not the type of player to pair with Messi in the Argentina squad, though he is a talented player bit when we talk of players who Messi likes and they have a very strong relationship are neymar, Dani alves, Sergio Aguero, Luis Suarez... dybala doesn't always play well in the Argentina squad, who knows maybe it is because of Messi, but we hope that will change soon...
SilverSurfer
39
He listen I love Messi, but Dybala should make the first 11. Even if you have to take Messi out of the team. Because it's seems like he paralyzes the whole team, with his/their burden of not winning a trophy with Argentina. It pains me to say.....but i said it. And maybe it's better for both of them? Dybala to grow some confidence and Messi to relax a little and take some pressure of his shoulder....👍🏿
adepops
37
all of u are shouting Messi, Messi...please tell me is it only Messi that plays for the team...what of Aguero? why is Aguero not performing well too?... please guyz get a brain Agentina have a very clueless, and very bad coach, a coach without any tactics, because of some hatred for Messi u guys av failed to see where the problem is....every of Agentina player in there respective clubs perform very well but when it's come to National team they can't find there bearing...their is deluded. to solve the problem of Agentina they a very good and tactical coach. who knows who to call and where to play them....not this drug Lord they call coach.
Jacadelmt
28
When Argentina finds a coach who can play Messi and Dybala together only then Argentine team will be in form....
Recaditz
24
If Argentina wants to win copa America than bring maradona or simone as there coach. Dybala is a good player n good finishing player but Argentina coach never give change to him in playing with Messi why. Use this one attack in next match n see how good they are Aguero Dybala. Messi. Di Maria
BadSnake
8
Ronaldo fuckboy!
He’s saying good things about Messi but sure go ahead