Roma blocks Dybala and Molina, denying them Messi's match
AS Roma decided on Tuesday to retain Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina, thus preventing them from attending Lionel Messi's final match with the Albiceleste, scheduled for October 6 in Buenos Aires. The club cited sporting and logistical reasons related to the length of the intercontinental journey and the imminent official commitments.
All the 2022 World Cup champions have been invited to the event, which will take place on October 6 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, where the Albiceleste will face Benin. The match, described as a friendly, has already sold 80,000 tickets in eighty minutes, demonstrating the supporters' enthusiasm. Lionel Messi, eight‑time Ballon d’Or winner, will play his final international match there, closing a career of 207 caps and 125 goals. Argentine sports authorities have already planned a special ceremony to honour the captain.
Reason for the club's block
AS Roma's statement, released on Tuesday, states that the decision is based on sporting and logistical reasons, notably the length of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of the club's official commitments. The text highlights the importance of the invitation for Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina, who contributed to Argentina's 2022 triumph. “The club acknowledges the significance of this call‑up for both players,” the statement reads. Journalist Mariano Spitzer noted that the club's decision was unexpected.
Consequences for the players
The two Argentines are not included in Lionel Scaloni's list for the friendlies, while the 23‑year‑old Matías Soule was granted compassionate leave to welcome his newborn before rejoining the squad. AS Roma wants Dybala and Molina to focus on the Serie A match against Como scheduled after the international break. Dybala has shared the pitch with Messi eighteen times, whereas Molina has done so fifty‑three times.
In a summer statement, Lionel Messi announced his withdrawal from the national team, declaring that “the time has come.” He recalled having given “all my heart” to the side, with 125 goals in 207 caps. Argentine football is preparing to pay tribute to its idol, whose career spans more than two decades.
Before the match against Benin, Argentina will play fixtures against Bolivia and Burkina Faso. The Argentine Association sold 80,000 tickets in eighty minutes and is preparing a special jersey for the evening. The Italian club reminded that right‑back Nahuel Molina currently plays for Inter Miami, while forward Paulo Dybala also competes in Major League Soccer.
By refusing the trip, Roma ensures the availability of its two key players for the upcoming Serie A round, thus avoiding any fatigue associated with an intercontinental journey. Argentine supporters, meanwhile, will have to settle for watching the spectacle from Buenos Aires, without the presence of their two World Cup heroes. Undoubtedly, the club's move underscores the importance of the sporting calendar.