Published : 01 Oct 2026, 12:30 PM
Updated : 01 Oct 2026, 12:30 PM
Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina are set to miss Lionel Messi’s Argentina farewell after Roma decided not to allow the pair to travel to Buenos Aires for the Oct 6 friendly against Benin.
Roma said the decision was made for “sporting and logistical reasons”, citing the length of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of the club’s upcoming competitive fixtures.
Dybala and Molina, both members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad, had been invited to attend the farewell despite not being called up by Lionel Scaloni for the current international window.
The Italian club acknowledged the significance of the occasion for the pair and their bond with Messi.
“AS Roma has the utmost respect for Lionel Messi and his extraordinary career and wishes him and the Argentine Football Association a very special evening,” the club said.
Messi is due to make his final Argentina appearance against Benin at the Monumental after announcing his international retirement following the World Cup.
Roma return to Serie A action against Como on Oct 11, five days after the farewell match.
