AS Roma have confirmed that Argentina internationals Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not travel to Buenos Aires for Lionel Messi’s farewell match against Benin on October 6.
The Italian club announced the decision after determining that the long intercontinental journey, combined with the proximity of upcoming competitive fixtures, made it impractical for the two players to attend the emotional occasion.
Messi’s farewell is expected to be one of the major moments of Argentina’s October international programme, with the 39-year-old set to make his final appearance for the national team in front of supporters at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Dybala and Molina had been invited to attend the occasion despite not being part of Argentina’s squad for the fixture. Both players have a close relationship with Messi and were members of the Argentina team that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Roma acknowledged the significance of the event in its official statement but maintained that sporting and logistical considerations had to take priority.
The club said the decision was influenced by the length of the journey between Italy and Argentina and the closeness of its next competitive commitments.
The decision means Dybala and Molina will miss what was expected to be an emotional reunion with Messi and several members of Argentina’s recent golden generation.
Dybala has shared the Argentina dressing room with Messi on numerous occasions and was part of the squad that lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar. Molina was also an important member of that tournament-winning side and played alongside Messi throughout the competition.
Molina was involved in one of the memorable moments of Argentina’s World Cup campaign when he scored against the Netherlands in the quarter-final, while his performances from right-back made him an important part of coach Lionel Scaloni’s system.
Although neither player was expected to feature on the pitch against Benin, their presence would have added to the celebratory nature of the occasion.
Roma, however, are looking ahead to a demanding period in their club calendar.
The club’s decision comes with the Serie A campaign continuing shortly after the international break. The Giallorossi are scheduled to face Como on October 11, meaning Dybala and Molina would have had to undertake a lengthy return journey from South America shortly before the domestic fixture.
Reports from Italy indicated that the two players could have missed several training sessions because of the trip, while their return would have left limited time to recover before Roma’s next competitive commitments.
Roma therefore opted against releasing the pair for the event.
The club was also careful to separate its decision from any perceived lack of respect for Messi.
In its statement, Roma recognised the importance of the farewell to both players and highlighted their connection with the Argentina captain. The club also expressed its “utmost respect” for Messi and his career while wishing him and the Argentine Football Association a special evening.
Messi’s farewell has been arranged following his decision to retire from international football. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni recently revealed that he had pushed for Messi to return for a final appearance because he wanted the forward to receive a proper farewell from his home supporters.
Scaloni said Messi deserved the opportunity to say goodbye to the Argentine fans and explained that he wanted the occasion to take place while he was still in charge of the national team.
The Argentina-Benin encounter at the Monumental will therefore carry significance beyond a normal international friendly.
For Messi, it represents an opportunity to close the chapter on an international career that has included the 2022 World Cup triumph and two Copa América titles. For Argentina supporters, the occasion will provide another chance to celebrate a player who has been central to the country’s football story for more than a decade.
Dybala and Molina will not be there, despite their personal connections with Messi and their shared history with the national team.
Their absence also highlights the difficult balance clubs face when international events coincide with demanding domestic schedules.
Roma have made their position clear: the pair will remain with the club rather than travel to Argentina for Messi’s farewell.
The decision means Messi’s final Argentina appearance will take place without two of his 2022 World Cup-winning teammates, turning what could have been a full reunion of Argentina’s recent champions into a smaller gathering.
Argentina will face Benin on October 6 at the Estadio Monumental, with the occasion expected to centre on Messi and the closing chapter of his international career.
