Roma deny Dybala and Molina Argentina trip for Messi farewell

Roma have refused Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina permission to return to Argentina for Lionel Messi’s planned farewell appearance against Benin, insisting that both players remain at the club’s Trigoria base during the international break.

Roma prioritise Como preparation over Argentina trip

The Serie A club confirmed its position on Tuesday, citing the demands of a long intercontinental journey and the short turnaround before domestic action resumes. Roma are due to face Como five days after the match arranged in Buenos Aires, with the club judging that travel to the Estadio Monumental would compromise preparations.

Dybala and Molina were not selected by Lionel Scaloni for Argentina’s forthcoming friendlies, meaning Roma are not required to release them. The club said its decision was made for sporting and logistical reasons, rather than as a response to Messi or the Argentine Football Association.

Roma also publicly recognised Messi’s contribution to the game, offering its respect to the forward and wishing both him and the federation well for the occasion.

World Cup connections make absence significant

The decision prevents two members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning group from attending what is intended to be Messi’s final outing in the national shirt. Dybala, now 32, has played alongside Messi on 18 occasions, while 28-year-old Molina has shared the field with him 53 times.

Both were part of the Argentina squad that lifted the World Cup in Qatar, a campaign led by Messi and central to the close ties within Scaloni’s group. Their absence from the stands in Buenos Aires will therefore be notable, even if neither is involved on the pitch.

Soule must be released after Argentina call-up

Roma’s restriction does not extend to every Argentine in the squad. Matias Soule has been given clearance to join up with the national team after receiving an official call-up for fixtures against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin.

As Soule is part of Scaloni’s selected squad, Roma must make him available under FIFA release rules. Dybala and Molina, by contrast, have been asked to stay in Italy because their proposed trip would be personal rather than part of an international summons.

Key moments in the international window

1. Scaloni selects Soule for Argentina’s games against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin.
2. Dybala and Molina seek to travel home for Messi’s farewell event despite not being called up.
3. Roma reject the request, keeping the pair at Trigoria ahead of the Como fixture.
4. Argentina prepare a final tribute for Messi at the Estadio Monumental against Benin.

Argentina reserve the number 10 for Messi’s goodbye

Argentina are preparing a broader celebration of Messi’s impact across the coming month, with the Benin game set to be its focal point. Scaloni has confirmed that no player will wear the number 10 shirt during the friendlies before the final match.

The gesture will leave the famous jersey unused until Messi wears it one last time before home supporters, with the plan backed by the Argentine Football Association.

Key takeaways

• Roma have kept Dybala and Molina in Italy because of travel demands and the proximity of the Como match.
• Neither player was included in Argentina’s squad, unlike Soule, who must be released under FIFA regulations.
• Dybala played 18 matches with Messi, while Molina featured alongside him 53 times.
• Argentina will leave the number 10 vacant during the preceding friendlies as part of the tribute to Messi.