Dybala wants Messi back for Argentina

Juventus and Argentina’s Paulo Dybala has expressed his wish for Lionel Messi to end his sabbatical and return to the national team.

Messi has not played for the national team since his country exited the World Cup following a 4-3 defeat to eventual winners France at the round of 16 stage.

Argentina have lined up with a more youthful lineup since the World Cup while Lionel Messi has declined to play in any of the friendlies that the national team has played in so far. That absence has allowed Dybala further playing time, with the Juve playmaker impressing on Friday as Argentina downed Mexico 2-0.

But Dybala reiterated that he wanted the captain to return to the side. "We want him to come back," he told reporters ahead of Tuesday's encounter. "We know what he means to us, but [the decision] is not up to any of the players."

With Messi not playing, Argentina coach has fielder a more inexperienced lineup without the likes of Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria. In their absence, Dybala, Lautaro Martinez, Mauro Icardi, Leandro Paredes and Gio Lo Celso form the young core of the national side.

There have been reports that Messi wanted to play under a concrete project with the national side. He has so far refrained from making any comments regarding his break from national side. In his absence Dybala is expected to take on greater responsibilities but Dybala said he is not the torch bearer for this young side. "We are young kids, we have only just started and we need the people's support. We do not know what is going to happen further ahead," he said.