Messi receives the most disheartening news regarding the Argentine national team

Lionel Messi's Argentine national team has been dealt another blow with the news that an additional player has suffered an injury and is probable to be absent for the encounter with Spain in the 2026 Finalissima.

The 2026 Finalissima between the Argentine national team and the Spanish national team, which is anticipated to feature the first showdown between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, continues to face numerous organizational challenges due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Nevertheless, UEFA recently stated they have no plans to postpone the match nor consider relocating it away from Qatar.

While both teams continue preparations for this eagerly awaited contest, the Argentine national team has been hit with more bad news as Paulo Dybala has suffered another injury. The AS Roma attacking midfielder was forced to leave training on Thursday after a recurrence of his knee issue.

According to Italian sources, the star born in 1993, who was expected to return to action this weekend, had to halt the training session just minutes after starting due to persistent inflammation in his left knee. Roma has yet to release an official medical report, but this is clearly a significant setback for the player nicknamed La Joya. His last appearance was on January 25. Although he was named on the bench in the recent 3-3 draw with Juventus, Dybala has now gone over five weeks without an official match.

Recurring injuries have made Dybala's position in coach Lionel Scaloni's Argentine national team squad increasingly uncertain. He was one of the heroes in the 2022 World Cup final, successfully converting his penalty against France, but fitness issues caused him to miss the 2024 Copa America triumph.

Even though Scaloni had given him opportunities to return during World Cup qualifiers, even scoring a goal against Chile, a hamstring injury in mid-November last year caused him to fall out of rhythm once again.

As 2026 begins with knee problems and even rumors of potential surgery, Dybala's chances of featuring in the 2026 Finalissima and securing a spot in Argentina's 2026 World Cup squad are growing increasingly slim, especially with rising competition from young talents like Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono.