AS Roma have ruled out Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from attending Lionel Messi’s Argentina farewell match against Benin in Buenos Aires, citing sporting and logistical concerns.
The Italian club confirmed on Tuesday that the two Argentina internationals would not travel to the South American country for the October 6 friendly at the Estadio Monumental, despite their close relationship with Messi and their involvement in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph.
Roma said the decision was influenced by the length of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of the club’s upcoming competitive commitments.
“The club recognises the importance of this appointment for the two players, who are linked to Lionel Messi and played a key role in his victory at the 2022 World Cup,” Roma said in a statement.
The club added that its decision was based on sporting and logistical considerations and stressed that it maintained the highest regard for Messi and his career.
“AS Roma expresses its utmost respect for Lionel Messi and his extraordinary career, wishing him and the Argentine Federation a special evening,” the club said.
Dybala and Molina were expected to attend the occasion as invited members of the squad that helped Messi and Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Their appearance would have provided an opportunity for the former teammates to reunite with the Argentina captain as he prepares to bring his international career to a close.
However, neither player was required for Argentina’s scheduled matches during the current international window. Dybala was not included in Lionel Scaloni’s latest squad, while Molina is serving an international suspension following incidents surrounding the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.
Roma’s decision means both players will remain in Italy rather than make the long round trip to Buenos Aires before returning to club duties.
The timing of the farewell has been a significant factor. Roma are preparing for the resumption of domestic competition after the international break, with the club scheduled to face Como on October 11. Reports indicate that the club was concerned about the physical demands of an intercontinental trip for players who would then have to return to Europe shortly before competitive fixtures.
Messi’s farewell match against Benin is expected to be a major occasion for Argentine football. Argentina coach Scaloni recently explained that he pushed for Messi to return for one final appearance because he wanted the 39-year-old forward to receive an appropriate farewell from supporters while he was still in charge of the national team.
Scaloni said he had made a significant effort to persuade Messi to participate because he believed the Argentine star deserved the opportunity to say goodbye to his supporters in Buenos Aires.
The match follows Messi’s decision to retire from international football after Argentina’s defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. His planned appearance against Benin will therefore serve as a formal farewell following a national-team career that included the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles.
Although Dybala and Molina will not be present, Roma’s decision does not affect Messi’s participation in the fixture. The Argentina captain remains scheduled to feature in the farewell event, which has generated considerable anticipation among supporters.
For Dybala and Molina, their absence will mean missing a symbolic reunion with the player alongside whom they celebrated Argentina’s biggest international triumph in Qatar four years ago.
Roma, however, has maintained that the decision was made for footballing and logistical reasons rather than any disregard for the significance of Messi’s farewell.
