Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not attend Lionel Messi’s final Argentina match against Benin after Roma blocked the two 2022 World Cup winners from travelling to Buenos Aires.
Two World Cup winners blocked from attending Lionel Messi’s final Argentina match
Two members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad will miss Lionel Messi’s final match for the national team after AS Roma blocked them from travelling to Buenos Aires.
Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina had hoped to attend Argentina’s emotional farewell match against Benin at the Monumental.
Neither player was expected to play.
Instead, they wanted to be there to celebrate the end of Messi’s legendary international career.
Roma block Dybala and Molina from travelling
Roma officially confirmed that Dybala and Molina will not attend the match.
The Italian club acknowledged the importance of the occasion but said sporting and logistical reasons made the journey too difficult.
The long trip between Italy and Argentina, combined with Roma’s upcoming matches, was considered a major concern.
As a result, both players will remain in Italy.
Gasperini explains controversial decision
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini has now defended the club’s decision.
He admitted Messi’s farewell will be an emotional event but explained that Roma’s next competitive match is too close.
Dybala and Molina would have needed to spend many hours travelling between Europe and South America before returning to club action.
Gasperini believes that could affect their recovery and preparation.
More than 28 hours of flying
A return journey between Italy and Argentina could involve more than 28 hours in the air.
That does not include airport waiting times or the physical effects of changing time zones.
Roma therefore decided the journey was not worth the risk during an important period of the season.
The club are preparing for Serie A action against Como, with more major matches coming soon afterwards.
Dybala and Molina wanted to support Messi
The decision is especially disappointing because both players were part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad in Qatar.
They shared Messi’s greatest international achievement and had hoped to join other former teammates for his final appearance.
Both players planned to attend the match from the stands rather than take part on the pitch.
Neither player was expected to play
Dybala was not included in Lionel Scaloni’s squad for the international window.
Molina is also unavailable for Argentina because of a suspension.
That means their planned trip was mainly about supporting Messi and taking part in the farewell celebrations.
Because neither player was officially required by Argentina, Roma were able to refuse permission for the journey.
Roma insist decision is not disrespectful
Roma have stressed that their decision should not be seen as disrespect towards Messi.
The club recognised his extraordinary career and the special meaning of the occasion for Argentina.
However, Roma decided their own sporting commitments had to come first.
Gasperini also praised Messi and admitted he was sorry that such a historic career was coming to an end.
Two World Cup winners will miss historic night
Dybala played an important role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, including scoring in the penalty shootout against France in the final.
Molina was also a regular starter and scored against the Netherlands after a brilliant Messi assist.
Both therefore share a special connection with Messi’s greatest international success.
But when their former captain plays his final match, they will be thousands of kilometres away.
Messi prepares for one final Argentina appearance
Argentina’s match against Benin is expected to be one of the most emotional nights in the country’s football history.
Messi is preparing to end an international career that included Copa America and World Cup glory.
The Monumental will give Argentina supporters one final chance to celebrate their legendary No.10.
But two familiar faces from his World Cup-winning team will not be there.
Dybala and Molina wanted to say goodbye in person, but Roma have decided that the long journey is simply too difficult during a crucial part of the club season.
