Dybala and Molina: Roma’s decision sparks debate

Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not participate in the friendly match between Argentina and Benin on October 6. This match holds special significance for the Argentine national team, as it will also serve as a farewell to Lionel Messi, who has announced his decision to end his career with the Albiceleste after the World Cup, where he will serve as captain.

Dybala and Molina are two of the veterans from the squad that shared the 2022 World Cup triumph with Messi. Roma, however, has decided not to grant the two players permission to make the intercontinental trip, given the particularly packed schedule awaiting the team in the coming weeks.

The Giallorossi club itself explained the decision in an official statement: “AS Roma announces that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not participate in the event organized in Argentina for the match between Argentina and Benin on October 6. The club recognizes the significance of the event for the two players, who are close to Lionel Messi and were key contributors alongside him to the 2022 World Cup victory. The club’s decision is based on sporting and logistical considerations related to the duration of the intercontinental trip and the proximity of upcoming official matches. AS Roma expresses the utmost respect for Lionel Messi and his extraordinary career, wishing him and the Argentine Football Association a special evening.

The decision is therefore primarily based on scheduling and intercontinental travel considerations. Roma will, in fact, be engaged in a series of closely spaced matches, with the game against Como scheduled for October 11, the match against Real Madrid at the Olimpico on October 14, and, following that, a midweek match against Genoa

Dybala and Molina will not be able to attend the October 6 event, despite the special significance of the evening for the two Argentines and their connection to Messi, with whom they shared the World Cup victory in Qatar.