Roma: ‘Utmost respect for Messi’ as club defend Dybala and Molina decision | OneFootball

Roma have issued a statement confirming that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not travel to Argentina for Lionel Messi’s farewell, three days after reports of the refusal first emerged.

The club said, via their official website, that the pair “will not attend the event being held in Argentina for the match between Argentina and Benin on 6 October”, and acknowledged what the occasion means to them.

“The Club acknowledges the significance of the occasion for both players, who share a close bond with Lionel Messi and were part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning team alongside him.”

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR – DECEMBER 18: Paulo Dybala of Argentina celebrates with Lionel Messi scoring the team’s second penalty in the penalty shoot out during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Roma cite travel and fixture congestion for Messi decision

The explanation offered is practical rather than disciplinary. The decision was taken “for sporting and logistical reasons, taking into account the length of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of the Club’s upcoming competitive fixtures.”

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side face Como on 11 October before a Champions League tie against Real Madrid, and neither player would have been involved in the match itself. Dybala was not called up, while Molina is midway through a seven-match international ban imposed after the 2026 World Cup final.

Roma closed by emphasising there was no slight intended.

“AS Roma has the utmost respect for Lionel Messi and his extraordinary career and wishes him and the Argentine Football Association a very special evening.”