Roma halts Dybala and Molina's travel for the match against Como
On the night of October 6‑7, the Monumental in Buenos Aires will host the friendly between the Albiceleste (Argentina) and Benin, Lionel Messi’s last appearance with the national team. Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will stay in Trigoria, as Roma denied permission to fly to Argentina.
Messi’s last night in Buenos Aires
The match marks the end of an unparalleled career, with Messi leaving the Argentine national team as the top scorer in Argentine history, taking with him the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles. Numerous teammates and former teammates are expected to celebrate the milestone.
The Argentine Football Association has invited Nahuel Molina and Paulo Dybala to take part, but the final decision rests with the club. Initially, coach Gian Piero Gasperini had not opposed the trip, considering it a gesture of solidarity.
A flight to Buenos Aires would have involved more than 26 hours in the air and roughly 22 000 kilometres travelled, with a significant time‑zone adjustment to recover. The club assessed that such a physical effort could jeopardise the condition of the two players.
Robin Mumford claims World Cup win with Messi after Months' silence
Roma chooses caution for Dybala and Molina
Roma is engaged on Sunday, October 11, against Como, an important clash in the race for the top of the table. For this reason, Dybala and Molina will stay in Trigoria to train and keep fit.
Santiago Castro, Matias Soulé and Leonardo Balerdi, called up by Lionel Scaloni, will take part regularly in the Argentina‑Benin match, ensuring the presence of other yellow‑reds in the celebration.
The decision was made jointly by the Roman management and the coach, based on the need to have Dybala, number 21, and the full‑back ready for the match against Como. It is not an isolated case, but a shared choice to protect the squad’s preparation.
The contrast between the emotion of a historic farewell for Messi and Roma’s caution highlights how club commitments can outweigh moments of national significance. Dybala and Molina will miss experiencing the captain’s final great night live, but will return ready for the Serie A challenge.