Roma have chosen the demands of their October schedule over a special international occasion, confirming that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not travel to Buenos Aires for Lionel Messi’s Argentina farewell against Benin on 6 October.
Roma protect a demanding week
The club acknowledged the importance of the event for both players, who share a connection with Messi and were part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph. Yet the decision was taken on sporting and logistical grounds, with the intercontinental journey and the proximity of competitive fixtures considered decisive.
- The round trip between Italy and Argentina would involve two transatlantic flights of around 14 hours each.
- Dybala and Molina would miss at least three training days with Roma.
- They would return to the squad little more than 48 hours before the away match at Como.
- Roma are then due to host Real Madrid a week later.
The Buenos Aires match is intended to mark Messi’s final appearance for the Argentina national side. Roma nevertheless opted against allowing the two players to take part in the celebration, with the club looking ahead to a difficult stretch of fixtures.
A decision left to the club
Both Dybala and Molina had wanted to attend Messi’s occasion despite not being selected by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. Molina would in any case have been unavailable to play because of suspension.
Gian Piero Gasperini had recently made clear that he would not block a possible departure, leaving the final call with the club. Roma’s position reflects a wider issue for teams in Serie A and elsewhere, with several players set to return from Argentina duty close to an intense run of domestic and European commitments.
Other Argentina call-ups remain involved
Roma will still have international considerations to manage, as other Argentina call-ups are expected to travel for the occasion and national-team commitments.
- Leonardo Balerdi has been called up.
- Matías Soulé is also in the Argentina group.
- Santiago Castro is expected to be involved as well.
- They are due back in Rome between the afternoon of 8 October and the morning of 9 October.
Roma closed their statement by expressing full respect for Messi and his exceptional career, while wishing him and the Argentine Football Association a memorable evening. Dybala and Molina, however, will remain in the Italian capital as the season’s next demanding chapter approaches.
