Roma block Dybala and Molina from attending Messi’s Argentina farewell

AS Roma have reportedly refused permission for Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina to travel to Argentina for Lionel Messi’s international farewell against Benin. According to GOAL, Roma cited sporting and logistical reasons for keeping the two players in Italy, with a Serie A meeting against Como scheduled only five days after Messi’s farewell.

Dybala and Molina, both members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad, were not included in Lionel Scaloni’s latest squad and therefore are not covered by FIFA’s mandatory release rules. However, Roma have allowed Matias Soulé to travel because he was officially called up by Argentina. The Italian club stressed that its decision was not intended as disrespect towards Messi, praising the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and wishing him and the Argentine Football Association well for the farewell occasion.