Roma will not release Molina for Argentina duty despite World Cup ban being reduced

ROME, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 19: Bryan Cristante and Nahuel Molina of AS Roma celebrate their team’s first goal scored by teammate Manu Kone during the Serie A match between AS Roma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on September 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Monday’s reports confirm that Roma will not release Nahuel Molina for international duty with Argentina this week, despite his seven-game ban for his antics at the end of the World Cup final being reduced to just four games. 

Molina will not report for international duty despite last-minute Argentina call-up

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Molina had originally been handed a seven-match ban and a $77,000 fine by FIFA for violent conduct at the end of the 2026 World Cup final, which saw Spain defeat Argentina 1-0 in extra-time. His teammate and former Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes was banned for 10 matches and fined $90,000. 

On Saturday, it was confirmed that Molina’s ban had been reduced from seven matches to four, and given that he served the first three games of his suspension during the September-October international break, he now has just one game of his ban left. 

Argentina will be involved in two international friendlies during the November international break, against Uruguay and then Costa Rica, and Molina is now eligible to play in the second one of those games. 

According to reports Il Messaggero, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni had attempted to hand Molina a last-minute call-up to the national team squad for the friendlies coming up in November. The latest Argentina squad was announced a few days before Molina’s ban was formally reduced. 

However, Roma have reportedly informed the Argentine FA that they will not be releasing Molina for international duty in November, and he is instead expected to report for training with the Giallorossi on Wednesday.