Two Argentina players ‘blocked’ from joining Argentina squad for Lionel Messi’s farewell game

Messi will take part in his final Argentina game against Benin on October 6.

Two Argentina players have effectively been blocked from taking part in Lionel Messi’s final game for the nation.

Messi will bid farewell to playing for the South American nation when the side take on Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

The match will mark the 39-year-old’s final cap of an illustrious international career spanning over two decades.

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Despite the pair helping Messi finally get his hands on the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Roma duo Nahuel Molina and Paulo Dybala will not be at the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s farewell match.

Molina and Dybala have been refused permission by the Serie A club to travel to the match for “sporting and logistical reasons”.

“AS Roma announces that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not attend the event being held in Argentina for the match between Argentina and Benin on 6 October,” a statement read.

“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.

“The decision has been made for sporting and logistical reasons, taking into account the length of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of the Club’s upcoming competitive fixtures.

“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.”

Before the Benin clash, Argentina face Bolivia on October 1 and Burkina Faso on October 4.

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Messi, who has netted 125 times in 207 caps, confirmed he would retire from international football in the days after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain. He had earlier admitted that he was unsure how much longer he could go on following the death of his father, Jorge, who died in August following a long-term illness.

Confirming his decision, Messi wrote: “After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the Argentina national team.

“It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all — not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I've given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”

“Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years,” he added. “I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I'll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad — especially the bad).

“Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey — so beautiful, yet so difficult. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I've shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.

“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you — alongside my teammates — moments we once only dreamed of. It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you!

“Thank you, God, for making me Argentinian.

“*I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before.”

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Topics: Lionel Messi, AS Roma, Paulo Dybala, Football News

Luke has covered sport – including football, MMA, cricket, and boxing – for SPORTbible since 2024, having previously freelanced at Reach and JOE. When he isn't writing for SPORTbible, he's following Everton home and away. Luke also created and hosted a podcast interviewing guests from singers and bands to footballers and boxers.

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