Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not be able to attend Lionel Messi’s final Argentina match after Roma reportedly refused their request for time off. Messi is expected to say goodbye to international football at the Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 6, when Argentina faces Bolivia.
The occasion is set to celebrate Messi’s international career, which includes World Cup and two Copa America triumphs. Many figures from Argentine football are expected to want to be present, but Dybala and Molina will miss the farewell.
Dybala and Molina miss Messi’s farewell
According to Sky Sport Italia, Tuttomercatoweb and Radio Mana Mana, Roma rejected the players’ request because Gian Piero Gasperini does not want them making such a long intercontinental journey so close to an important Serie A fixture.
Roma are due to face Como on October 11, only five days after Argentina’s match against Bolivia. Gasperini therefore wants Dybala and Molina to remain with the club rather than travel to Buenos Aires for Messi’s farewell.
Roma rejects request for Argentina match
Dybala was not included in the Argentina squad for the match, meaning his absence from the Monumental will not be due to international selection.
Molina is also unavailable for the game, but for a different reason. The Argentina defender is serving a seven-match suspension following the chaos surrounding the 2026 World Cup Final against Spain.
Messi prepares for final Argentina appearance
Messi’s match against Bolivia is set to be his final appearance for the Argentina national team. The Monumental will provide the setting for the farewell, with the occasion expected to mark the end of his international career.
Dybala and Molina, both former teammates of Messi, had hoped to attend the celebration but will instead remain unavailable for the event after Roma’s decision.
