Dybala declines Messi farewell, focused on Como and hunting first goal

Roma have prevented Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina during the international break, citing logistical reasons and a desire to spare the pair a long intercontinental journey just days before the domestic season resumes. The club chose to make its position public, a move that attracted attention given Roma's typical reluctance to issue public statements on such matters. Journalist Lorenzo Pes explained the decision on TeleRadioStereo, noting that Roma's stance had been known for several days and there was no significant friction with the players over the matter. Pes said: "I was surprised by Roma, they are not prone to issuing statements. Honestly it seems more of a demonstration of position than anything else." He added that both players would have liked to attend the event in Argentina but were not prepared to turn the issue into a confrontation with the club. Pes observed: "On the one hand they wanted to be there, but to make that long journey just to be spectators?" According to Pes, the players did not push back against the decision. "Honestly no, the matter was known from a couple of days ago. There was no major opposition from the players, who did not force the issue," he stated. Pes acknowledged wider regret that all Argentina's World Cup winners were not called to the celebration, concluding that the decision ultimately served Roma's interests as the season restarts.

Matías Soulé is thriving under Gasperini's system after a strong start to the 2026–27 season. The 23-year-old has scored two goals and provided one assist in his first five league matches, matching his output from the same stage last season. The improvement comes after a difficult first year at Roma—his first goal arrived at the eleventh match in 2024–25, and his progress was further disrupted by a two-month pubalgia injury that cost him a place in the World Cup. This season, continuity is the aim. Last summer he began brilliantly and was the team's top scorer before Malen's arrival, but the injury derailed his campaign. Now, with Scaloni's new Argentina cycle underway, Soulé has been recalled to the national squad and is a candidate for a starting place against Bolivia. He previously made clear his commitment to Argentina: "No to Italy, I want only the Selección." Off the pitch, the birth of his first son, Bautista, has added to a golden spell. Soulé will be among the last to return from international duty, alongside Balerdi and Castro. Argentina play a friendly against Benin on 6 October, with Roma players due back at Trigoria on 8 October—just 72 hours before the fixture against Como. That tight turnaround concerns Gasperini, who has an open selection battle with Rodrigo Mora. Soulé has started the last three matches, but the Portuguese midfielder is pressing for inclusion, particularly if Gasperini opts for a 3-4-1-2 formation. The coach has time to settle on his team; Soulé's focus now is delivering for Argentina.

Roma radio commentators analysed the club's decision to prevent Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina for Lionel Messi's farewell celebration. The move generated widespread backing among on-air voices in Rome, with observers noting that the players did not push to attend and that the club's public statement underlined its resolve. Jacobelli at Radio Radio Mattino said the choice was "absolutely understandable", separating official international duties from a one-off event that could have been scheduled differently. Pes at TeleRadioStereo stressed there would be no lasting friction: "The players did not force to be in Buenos Aires for Messi's goodbye. Roma have a delicate and important match on 11 October and the club's statement demonstrates the strength of the ownership." Rossomando at Radio Manà Manà Sport added: "The decision not to let Dybala and Molina leave for Argentina was in the air. Certainly, the decision to issue an official statement surprised me and I must say pleased me. Roma demonstrated itself to be a strong and present club. It is important to have Dybala at Trigoria during the entire break. Behind this decision I believe Gasperini is also there." Carina noted that Marten de Roon would find minutes in the upcoming run of fixtures and recover full fitness after arriving in non-optimal condition. Valdarchi suggested Gasperini might rotate the three Argentina internationals who returned late, with Leonardo Balerdi unlikely to start at centre-back given Mario Hermoso's availability and Evan N'Dicka's early return to training.

Roma have prevented Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina during the international break, citing logistical reasons and a desire to spare the pair a long intercontinental journey just days before the domestic season resumes. The club chose to make its position public, a move that attracted attention given Roma's typical reluctance to issue public statements on such matters. Journalist Lorenzo Pes explained the decision on TeleRadioStereo, noting that Roma's stance had been known for several days and there was no significant friction with the players over the matter. Pes said: "I was surprised by Roma, they are not prone to issuing statements. Honestly it seems more of a demonstration of position than anything else." He added that both players would have liked to attend the event in Argentina but were not prepared to turn the issue into a confrontation with the club. Pes observed: "On the one hand they wanted to be there, but to make that long journey just to be spectators?" According to Pes, the players did not push back against the decision. "Honestly no, the matter was known from a couple of days ago. There was no major opposition from the players, who did not force the issue," he stated. Pes acknowledged wider regret that all Argentina's World Cup winners were not called to the celebration, concluding that the decision ultimately served Roma's interests as the season restarts.

Roma radio commentators analysed the club's decision to prevent Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina for Lionel Messi's farewell celebration. The move generated widespread backing among on-air voices in Rome, with observers noting that the players did not push to attend and that the club's public statement underlined its resolve. Jacobelli at Radio Radio Mattino said the choice was "absolutely understandable", separating official international duties from a one-off event that could have been scheduled differently. Pes at TeleRadioStereo stressed there would be no lasting friction: "The players did not force to be in Buenos Aires for Messi's goodbye. Roma have a delicate and important match on 11 October and the club's statement demonstrates the strength of the ownership." Rossomando at Radio Manà Manà Sport added: "The decision not to let Dybala and Molina leave for Argentina was in the air. Certainly, the decision to issue an official statement surprised me and I must say pleased me. Roma demonstrated itself to be a strong and present club. It is important to have Dybala at Trigoria during the entire break. Behind this decision I believe Gasperini is also there." Carina noted that Marten de Roon would find minutes in the upcoming run of fixtures and recover full fitness after arriving in non-optimal condition. Valdarchi suggested Gasperini might rotate the three Argentina internationals who returned late, with Leonardo Balerdi unlikely to start at centre-back given Mario Hermoso's availability and Evan N'Dicka's early return to training.

AS Roma have prevented Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina for an event scheduled for 6 October surrounding the Argentina vs Benin match. The club cited sporting and logistical reasons for the decision, specifically the duration of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of Roma's official fixtures. Both players were part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad alongside Lionel Messi, and the event carries significance for them. However, Roma's management determined that releasing them would conflict with the club's immediate competitive schedule. The decision reflects the tension between international commitment and domestic club priorities during a congested fixture calendar. The club issued an official statement saying: "AS Roma communicates that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not participate in the event organised in Argentina for the Argentina vs Benin match on 6 October. The Society recognises the value of the appointment for the two players, linked to Lionel Messi and protagonists with him in the 2022 World Cup victory. The Club's choice responds to sporting and logistical reasons, linked to the duration of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of official commitments. AS Roma expresses the utmost respect for Lionel Messi and his extraordinary career, wishing him and the Argentine Federation a special evening."

Roma have prevented Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina during the international break, citing logistical reasons and a desire to spare the pair a long intercontinental journey just days before the domestic season resumes. The club chose to make its position public, a move that attracted attention given Roma's typical reluctance to issue public statements on such matters. Journalist Lorenzo Pes explained the decision on TeleRadioStereo, noting that Roma's stance had been known for several days and there was no significant friction with the players over the matter. Pes said: "I was surprised by Roma, they are not prone to issuing statements. Honestly it seems more of a demonstration of position than anything else." He added that both players would have liked to attend the event in Argentina but were not prepared to turn the issue into a confrontation with the club. Pes observed: "On the one hand they wanted to be there, but to make that long journey just to be spectators?" According to Pes, the players did not push back against the decision. "Honestly no, the matter was known from a couple of days ago. There was no major opposition from the players, who did not force the issue," he stated. Pes acknowledged wider regret that all Argentina's World Cup winners were not called to the celebration, concluding that the decision ultimately served Roma's interests as the season restarts.

Roma radio commentators analysed the club's decision to prevent Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina for Lionel Messi's farewell celebration. The move generated widespread backing among on-air voices in Rome, with observers noting that the players did not push to attend and that the club's public statement underlined its resolve. Jacobelli at Radio Radio Mattino said the choice was "absolutely understandable", separating official international duties from a one-off event that could have been scheduled differently. Pes at TeleRadioStereo stressed there would be no lasting friction: "The players did not force to be in Buenos Aires for Messi's goodbye. Roma have a delicate and important match on 11 October and the club's statement demonstrates the strength of the ownership." Rossomando at Radio Manà Manà Sport added: "The decision not to let Dybala and Molina leave for Argentina was in the air. Certainly, the decision to issue an official statement surprised me and I must say pleased me. Roma demonstrated itself to be a strong and present club. It is important to have Dybala at Trigoria during the entire break. Behind this decision I believe Gasperini is also there." Carina noted that Marten de Roon would find minutes in the upcoming run of fixtures and recover full fitness after arriving in non-optimal condition. Valdarchi suggested Gasperini might rotate the three Argentina internationals who returned late, with Leonardo Balerdi unlikely to start at centre-back given Mario Hermoso's availability and Evan N'Dicka's early return to training.

AS Roma have prevented Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina from travelling to Argentina for an event scheduled for 6 October surrounding the Argentina vs Benin match. The club cited sporting and logistical reasons for the decision, specifically the duration of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of Roma's official fixtures. Both players were part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad alongside Lionel Messi, and the event carries significance for them. However, Roma's management determined that releasing them would conflict with the club's immediate competitive schedule. The decision reflects the tension between international commitment and domestic club priorities during a congested fixture calendar. The club issued an official statement saying: "AS Roma communicates that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not participate in the event organised in Argentina for the Argentina vs Benin match on 6 October. The Society recognises the value of the appointment for the two players, linked to Lionel Messi and protagonists with him in the 2022 World Cup victory. The Club's choice responds to sporting and logistical reasons, linked to the duration of the intercontinental journey and the proximity of official commitments. AS Roma expresses the utmost respect for Lionel Messi and his extraordinary career, wishing him and the Argentine Federation a special evening."