Paulo Dybala has often been compared to Lionel Messi because of the position he operates in and his style of play.

However, that’s largely been a curse for the Juventus forward who is always measured against the Barcelona star’s success while he also finds his international career hampered by his compatriot’s presence.

Messi remains on indefinite leave from the Argentina squad though and it was Dybala who took centre stage in a 2-0 win over Mexico in a friendly on Friday.

With Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero also absent, Dybala led Argentina to another encouraging victory under interim coach Lionel Scaloni.

“We’re on the right path,” Scaloni said.

Argentina went ahead when Dybala’s free kick was headed in by Mexican defender Ramiro Funes Mori.

The Juve man was the creative force in the encounter and his second-half lob narrowly missed the target.

Argentina’s second goal came when Mexican defender Isaac Brizuela put into his own net under pressure from substitute Mauro Icardi.