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Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will be absent from the festivities surrounding Lionel Messi's final appearance for Argentina after Serie A club AS Roma blocked the duo from making the trip to the historic occasion.
Messi will say his goodbyes to the Argentina national team when La Albiceleste take on Benin at River Plate's Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
The Argentine football federation (AFA) arranged Messi's "last dance" shortly after he made his heartfelt announcement of retirement from international football.
As part of the send-off, AFA president Claudio Tapia extended an invitation to every player from Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad to attend the match alongside their families and share in Messi's Albiceleste farewell.
All members of Argentina's Qatar 2022 squad were anticipated to be present, but Dybala and Molina have now become the first two confirmed no-shows.
Why Roma Denied Dybala, Molina from Attending Messi's Farewell
The long transatlantic journey and the training sessions Dybala and Molina would miss were cited as the primary reasons behind the club's refusal to grant travel permission for Messi's upcoming farewell fixture. Roma issued an official statement on Tuesday outlining their reasoning.
"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 statement read.
"The club acknowledges the significance of this occasion for both players, who share a close bond with Lionel Messi and played an integral role in his triumph at the 2022 World Cup. The club's decision was based on sporting and logistical grounds, related to the duration of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of upcoming official fixtures.
"AS Roma extends its deepest respect to Lionel Messi and his remarkable career, wishing him and the Argentine Federation a truly memorable evening."
Roma currently lead the Serie A table after five games, level on points with defending champions Inter Milan and fierce rivals Lazio. Gian Piero Gasperini's side will return to action following the international break when they travel to Como 1907 on Oct. 11—five days after Messi's farewell match.
Why Dybala, Molina Aren't Part of Argentina's Fall Roster
Had Lionel Scaloni named Dybala and Molina in Argentina's September-October international window squad, Roma would have had no authority to prevent them from traveling to Messi's farewell.
That said, neither player's omission from La Albiceleste's squad comes as a shock. Dybala hasn't featured for Argentina since a brief substitute appearance against Colombia during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Sept. 10, 2024.
Despite impressive campaigns in Europe, Dybala has never truly flourished for Argentina, hindered by occupying the same position as Messi. Scaloni has leaned on other attacking options since 2024, with emerging talents such as Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono now earning squad places ahead of Dybala.
Molina, on the other hand, is ineligible for Argentina selection as he is currently serving a seven-match suspension stemming from his involvement in the altercations that erupted following the 2026 World Cup final.
Both players had standout moments during the 2022 World Cup. Molina netted in the quarterfinal against the Netherlands courtesy of one of Messi's most sublime assists, while Dybala stepped up to convert down the middle and hand Argentina the advantage against France in the penalty shootout that ultimately delivered La Albiceleste their crowning glory.
Nonetheless, the two Roma players will be left behind in Italy, watching from a distance as Messi bids farewell to La Albiceleste, drawing the curtain on what is arguably the greatest era in Argentine football history.