Buenos Aires will stage Lionel Messi’s Argentina farewell against Benin in the early hours of Wednesday 7 October, but two former international team-mates will not be allowed to make the journey.
The Ligue 1 news
No Ligue 1 club is involved in the story, with the issue concerning AS Roma’s preparations in Italy. Roma have refused permission for Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina to travel to Argentina for the events surrounding Messi’s final appearance for the national team.
Neither player was selected by Lionel Scaloni for Argentina’s three scheduled matches: Bolivia on Thursday at 2am, Burkina Faso on Sunday at 2am, and Benin at 1am on the night of Tuesday 6 October into Wednesday 7 October.
Roma said its decision was based on sporting and logistical considerations, pointing to the length of an intercontinental trip and the proximity of official fixtures. The Giallorossi are due to face Como in Serie A on 11 October, five days after the Benin match.
Dybala, 32, has played 18 Argentina matches alongside Messi, while 28-year-old Molina has shared the pitch with him 53 times for the national side. Both were part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad.
Matias Soulé is not affected by the restriction. He has been called up by Scaloni and will travel to Argentina for the international fixtures.
Roma paid tribute to Messi’s career in its statement and sent its wishes to the player and the Argentine Football Association for the occasion.
Roma’s next appointment
Roma return to domestic action against Como in Serie A on 11 October at 12.30pm.
