Copa America snub an unexpected blow, says Argentina’s Dybala

AS Roma forward Paulo Dybala said it was a big blow to be left out of Argentina’s Copa America squad and that he had been confident of selection for the tournament in the United States.

The 30-year-old scored 16 goals in 39 appearances for Roma last season but struggled with injuries and was the surprise absentee from Lionel Scaloni’s 29-man squad named last week.

Scaloni still has to cut three players from the list for the tournament, which runs from June 20 to July 14.

“I felt like I did some good things this year,” the 2022 World Cup winner told The Athletic on Thursday.

“I was confident about making the squad, so it was a very tough blow for me to take because being part of the national team is one of the best things ever.

“But I also understand that it’s hard for our coach to choose. I respect his decision. I’ve got a great relationship with him and he has certainly chosen the best for the team.”

Argentina play warm-up matches against Ecuador on June 9 and Guatemala on June 14 before the Copa America, where they face Peru, Chile and Canada in Group A.