Argentina has announced its provisional 29-man squad for the upcoming Copa America, sparking widespread discussion among football fans and analysts. The squad includes prominent names like Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, but the notable exclusion of Paulo Dybala has raised eyebrows across the football community.

Led by captain Lionel Messi, the squad will participate in final friendlies before the Copa America, which is set to begin on June 20. Coach Lionel Scaloni will trim the squad down to 26 players by June 12. The exclusion of Dybala, who has been pivotal in Argentina’s recent successes and has had an impressive season, winning three Serie A Player of the Month awards, has been a major talking point.

Dybala’s exclusion is largely attributed to his recent injury concerns, which have kept him out of action for over 30 matches. This has led to speculation about his fitness and readiness for the tournament. Despite his significant contributions and form, the decision reflects concerns over his physical condition.

In addition to the seasoned veterans, the squad includes several young talents such as Leonardo Balerdi, Valentin Barco, Alejandro Garnacho, and Valentin Carboni. These selections highlight Argentina’s strategy to blend experienced players with fresh talent, aiming to defend their Copa America title successfully.

Argentina will begin their Copa America campaign against Canada on June 20, followed by matches against Chile and Peru. The tournament, taking place in the United States, runs until July 14. Fans and analysts will be closely watching how the team performs without Dybala and how the young players rise to the occasion.