Roma rule out Dybala, Molina for Messi’s Argentina farewell

Argentina's forward #21 Paulo Dybala and Croatia's forward #16 Bruno Petkovic fight for the ball as Argentina's defender #26 Nahuel Molina looks on during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football semi-final match between Argentina and Croatia at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on December 13, 2022. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP)

AS Roma have ruled out Argentina internationals Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from the October 6 farewell match for Lionel Messi against Benin, citing sporting and logistical reasons.

The Italian club announced the decision in a statement released on Tuesday, saying the length of the intercontinental trip and the proximity of official club commitments influenced its decision.

Roma acknowledged the importance of the occasion to both players, who were part of Argentina’s squad that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and have links to Messi.

“The Club recognises the importance of this appointment for the two players, who are linked to Lionel Messi and played a key role in his victory at the 2022 World Cup,” they said.

The club said its decision was not based on a lack of regard for Messi or the significance of the occasion.

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Roma added that it had “the utmost respect” for Messi and his career, while extending its wishes to the Argentina captain and the Argentine Football Association ahead of the match.

“AS Roma expresses its utmost respect for Lionel Messi and his extraordinary career, wishing him and the Argentine Federation a special evening,” they added.

The Argentina-Benin fixture is scheduled for October 6, with the match expected to form part of the celebrations surrounding Messi’s international career.

Dybala and Molina will therefore not be involved in the event, despite their previous roles alongside Messi in Argentina’s national team.

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