The Italian club Roma announced that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina, the team's duo, will not participate in the celebration of Lionel Messi's last match wearing the Argentina national team jersey.
Nahuel Molina
Club: Roma
Paulo Dybala
Club: Roma
The duo is not included in the current international break squad for La Albiceleste. Dybala and Molina were invited to attend Argentina's match against Benin on October 6th, which will be held at the Monumental Stadium as a tribute to Messi following his announcement of retirement from international football, alongside those who won the 2022 World Cup with him.
The club clarified in its statement the reason for refusing the duo's participation in the match due to the long travel distance and the team's commitments after the end of the international break.
The Italian club's statement came as follows:
AS Roma announces that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not attend the event held in Argentina for the Argentina vs. Benin match on October 6th.
The club recognizes the importance of this appointment for the players, who are linked to Lionel Messi and played a key role in winning the 2022 World Cup.
The club made its decision for sporting and logistical reasons, related to the length of the intercontinental trip and the proximity of official commitments.
AS Roma expresses its deep appreciation for Lionel Messi and his exceptional career, wishing him and the Argentine Football Association a memorable evening.
La nota del Club@OfficialASRoma
Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, had previously stated in press comments: "We have invited Messi to attend a farewell ceremony worthy of him on October 6th here in Argentina."
He added, "We also invite all the national team players who won the World Cup title in Qatar to join him and their families for an unforgettable match for all fans of the national team."
Leonardo Balerdi, Matías Soulé, and Santiago Castro, the trio from Roma, will be present in the La Albiceleste squad as they joined the list during the international break.
Messi's international career with Argentina began in 2005 and lasted for more than 20 years.
During his international career, Messi played 207 matches for Argentina, scoring 125 goals.
Messi led the Argentina national team to win the World Cup in 2022, and finished second twice, in 2014 and 2026.
He also won the Copa América tournament with Argentina twice, in 2021 and 2024
