Roma block Dybala and Molina from Argentina trip during international break

Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not travel to Argentina for Lionel Messi's international farewell match, a decision made by mutual agreement between the players and the club. Despite their affection for Messi, both declined to force the issue, understanding Roma's preference to avoid a cross-continental journey just hours before the Como fixture. Dybala's focus is entirely on the upcoming match at the Sinigaglia. He has been a regular starter this season and used his four rest days granted by Gasperini to train in his home gym, preparing himself for the showdown against Fabregas's side. Dybala has already recorded four assists this season but remains goalless, with his last goal coming on 18 January against Torino. He will feature on 11 October and later face Mourinho in the Champions League clash against Real Madrid on 14 October. Sunday's match will pit two Argentine talents against each other: Dybala versus Como's Nico Paz, a generational duel between players considered among the strongest in their country. Paz, who will return from international duty on 8 October, is regarded in Argentina as Messi's successor—a player Como are unlikely to rest. Dybala, despite a twelve-year age gap with Paz, remains intent on proving he can deliver decisive moments.

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.

Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not travel to Argentina for Lionel Messi's international farewell match, a decision made by mutual agreement between the players and the club. Despite their affection for Messi, both declined to force the issue, understanding Roma's preference to avoid a cross-continental journey just hours before the Como fixture. Dybala's focus is entirely on the upcoming match at the Sinigaglia. He has been a regular starter this season and used his four rest days granted by Gasperini to train in his home gym, preparing himself for the showdown against Fabregas's side. Dybala has already recorded four assists this season but remains goalless, with his last goal coming on 18 January against Torino. He will feature on 11 October and later face Mourinho in the Champions League clash against Real Madrid on 14 October. Sunday's match will pit two Argentine talents against each other: Dybala versus Como's Nico Paz, a generational duel between players considered among the strongest in their country. Paz, who will return from international duty on 8 October, is regarded in Argentina as Messi's successor—a player Como are unlikely to rest. Dybala, despite a twelve-year age gap with Paz, remains intent on proving he can deliver decisive moments.

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."

Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not travel to Argentina for Lionel Messi's international farewell match, a decision made by mutual agreement between the players and the club. Despite their affection for Messi, both declined to force the issue, understanding Roma's preference to avoid a cross-continental journey just hours before the Como fixture. Dybala's focus is entirely on the upcoming match at the Sinigaglia. He has been a regular starter this season and used his four rest days granted by Gasperini to train in his home gym, preparing himself for the showdown against Fabregas's side. Dybala has already recorded four assists this season but remains goalless, with his last goal coming on 18 January against Torino. He will feature on 11 October and later face Mourinho in the Champions League clash against Real Madrid on 14 October. Sunday's match will pit two Argentine talents against each other: Dybala versus Como's Nico Paz, a generational duel between players considered among the strongest in their country. Paz, who will return from international duty on 8 October, is regarded in Argentina as Messi's successor—a player Como are unlikely to rest. Dybala, despite a twelve-year age gap with Paz, remains intent on proving he can deliver decisive moments.

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."