Rome, Oct 06 (V7N)- Lionel Messi is set to bid farewell to international football in an emotional final appearance for Argentina, but two of his close former teammates will be absent after AS Roma refused to allow Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina to travel to Buenos Aires for the occasion.
Messi is scheduled to play his final match for Argentina against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, October 6. The farewell fixture has been organized to celebrate the 39-year-old's remarkable international career.
Dybala and Molina, who were part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad alongside Messi, were invited to attend the farewell despite not being included in the current national team squad.
Both players have a close relationship with Messi and had wanted to be present for his final appearance in the Argentina shirt. However, Roma decided that the lengthy intercontinental journey was too close to the club's upcoming competitive commitments.
Roma officially confirmed that the two Argentine players would not attend the Argentina-Benin event, citing sporting and logistical reasons, including the length of the journey and the proximity of upcoming fixtures.
Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini also explained the decision, saying the team could not afford to have the players undertake such a long trip so close to an important Serie A fixture.
Roma are scheduled to return to league action against Como on Sunday, October 11, after the international break. The club therefore opted to keep Dybala and Molina at its training base in Italy.
Despite the decision, Gasperini praised Messi's extraordinary career and acknowledged the emotional significance of the Argentine captain's farewell.
Messi will leave the national team as Argentina's record goalscorer and appearance holder, having made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals. His international achievements include the 2022 World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.
Several other Argentine players based in Serie A are expected to be involved in the farewell, including Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martínez and Como midfielder Nico Paz.
Dybala and Molina will therefore miss what is expected to be a highly emotional night for Messi and Argentina, as the legendary forward closes the international chapter of his career.
END/SMA/AJ
