Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will be absent from Lionel Messi’s last Argentina game after Roma reportedly turned down their request for leave. Messi is set to bid farewell to international football at the Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 6, when Argentina takes on Bolivia.
The event will honor Messi’s international career, which features a World Cup and two Copa America titles. Numerous personalities from Argentine football are expected to wish to be there, but Dybala and Molina will not attend the farewell.
Dybala and Molina absent from Messi’s farewell
As reported by Sky Sport Italia, Tuttomercatoweb and Radio Mana Mana, Roma denied the players’ request because Gian Piero Gasperini does not want them undertaking such a long intercontinental trip so near to a crucial Serie A match.
Roma are scheduled to play Como on October 11, just five days after Argentina’s game against Bolivia. Gasperini thus wants Dybala and Molina to stay with the club instead of flying to Buenos Aires for Messi’s farewell.
Roma turns down request for Argentina match
Dybala was not named in the Argentina squad for the match, so his absence from the Monumental will not be because of international selection.
Molina is also not available for the game, but for another reason. The Argentina defender is serving a seven-match ban after the disorder surrounding the 2026 World Cup Final against Spain.
Messi gets ready for final Argentina appearance
Messi’s match against Bolivia is expected to be his last appearance for the Argentina national team. The Monumental will host the farewell, with the event anticipated to mark the end of his international career.
Dybala and Molina, both former teammates of Messi, had wanted to be at the celebration but will instead stay unavailable for the event following Roma’s decision.