Roma Denies Permission for Argentina Trip
Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not be part of the celebrations for Lionel Messi's final Argentina match after AS Roma refused to give them permission to travel to the event. Messi will bid farewell to the Argentina national team when La Albiceleste face Benin at River Plate's Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The Argentina soccer federation (AFA) organized the farewell soon after Messi announced his emotional retirement from international soccer. As part of the celebrations, AFA president Claudio Tapia invited every player from Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning side to attend the match with their families to accompany Messi in his Albiceleste goodbye. Every member of Argentina's Qatar 2022 roster was expected to attend, but Dybala and Molina have now become the first two confirmed absences.[S1]
AS Roma released a statement on Tuesday explaining their decision. The club cited the lengthy transatlantic trip and the days of team training Dybala and Molina would miss as the main reasons for not granting permission. Roma acknowledged the importance of the event for the two players, who are linked to Lionel Messi and played a key role in his 2022 World Cup victory. The club's choice was based on sporting and logistical reasons, linked to the length of the intercontinental trip and the proximity of official commitments. Roma expressed its utmost respect for Lionel Messi and his extraordinary career, wishing him and the Argentine Federation a special evening.[S1]
Why Dybala and Molina Are Not in Argentina's Squad
Had Lionel Scaloni included Dybala and Molina in Argentina's September-October international window roster, Roma would have been powerless to stop them from traveling to Messi's farewell. However, the pair not being included in La Albiceleste's squad isn't surprising. Dybala hasn't played for Argentina since a brief cameo against Colombia during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers back on Sept. 10, 2024. Despite brilliant seasons in Europe, Dybala has never truly performed for Argentina, compromised by playing the same position as Messi. Scaloni has favored other attackers since 2024, with youngsters such as Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono now part of Argentina's squad over Dybala. Molina, meanwhile, can't feature for Argentina because he is currently serving a seven-match ban for his involvement in the brawls that took place following the 2026 World Cup final.[S1]
Both players had memorable moments during the 2022 World Cup. Molina scored in the quarterfinals against the Netherlands thanks to one of Messi's greatest ever assists and Dybala went down the middle to give Argentina the lead against France in the penalty-shootout that ended with La Albiceleste conquering glory. Nevertheless, the two Roma players will be forced to stay back in Italy and watch from afar as Messi bids farewell to La Albiceleste, marking the end of one of the if not the greatest era in Argentina's history.[S1]
Roma's Serie A Commitments
Roma currently sit atop the Serie A standings after five matches, level on points with reigning champions Inter Milan and bitter rivals Lazio. Gian Piero Gasperini's side will play their first match after the international break when they visit Como 1907 on Oct. 11—five days after Messi's farewell match. The club's decision to keep Dybala and Molina in Italy reflects the importance of their upcoming league fixture and the logistical challenges of a quick round trip to South America.[S1]
