Argentina’s 4-0 win over Bolivia in Cordoba brought several Serie A figures into the international window, while Roma made a different choice for two of their own. The club did not allow Paulo Dybala and Molina to travel to South America for the celebrations planned around Lionel Messi’s final Argentina appearance.
The decision
Roma’s position means Dybala and Molina will not be part of the squad for the upcoming friendly fixtures against Burkina Faso and Benin. The latter match, at Buenos Aires’ sold-out Monumental on 7 October, is expected to mark Messi’s farewell in Argentina colours.
The captain has led the national side through its 2022 World Cup triumph and the runners-up finish at the 2026 tournament. Argentina first face Burkina Faso at 2am Italian time on 4 October, before meeting Benin at 1am Italian time three days later.
The decision in Rome comes during a break in the domestic calendar, with clubs weighing the demands on their players against an occasion of major significance for the world champions and recent World Cup finalists.
Sunday’s picture
At the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba, Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina defeated Bolivia 4-0 in an all-South American meeting. Inter captain Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in the 19th minute, finding the net with a right-footed finish beyond Viscarra.
Como’s Nico Paz added the second ten minutes later after being played through by Palacios, lifting his effort over the goalkeeper. The attacking midfielder remained central to Argentina’s best work and supplied the third goal in the 54th minute, heading the ball into the path of Cristian Romero.
Jose Lopez completed the scoring four minutes from time. Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi appeared after the interval, as did Fiorentina’s Franco Mastantuono. Bologna forward Santiago Castro and Roma’s Matias Soulé stayed among the substitutes, along with Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez.
