Why Dybala and Molina are blocked from Messi’s farewell despite 2022 squad invite
Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will miss Lionel Messi’s Argentina farewell after Roma blocked their trip to Buenos Aires. The club cited the lengthy journey and proximity of important fixtures, with manager Gian Piero Gasperini stressing the demanding schedule. Both players remain linked to Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, but neither was selected for the current international window.
Lisandro Martinez, the defender for Manchester United and Argentina, has been selected to start in the final fixture of Lionel Messi's farewell game for the national team. The 28-year-old Argentine was a key player in Argentina's journey to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, appearing in every match except the group stage match against Jordan. Despite picking up an injury in the first half of the final against Spain, Martinez came on as a substitute and helped his team secure a 1-0 victory.
However, Messi has announced his retirement from international duty, and Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina against Benin on Tuesday. According to a report by Argentina news outlet EL Debate, Martinez is likely to start from the bench for Messi's farewell game. The coaching staff wants the captain, Lionel Scaloni, to live his last presentation with several of the players who were part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final team.
Licha could be on the bench for the game, with Nicolás Otamendi taking his place in the starting lineup.
United will not be too concerned about Martinez's decision to play, as he is expected to return fresh and ready for the crucial match against Tottenham Hotspur the following Saturday. The Argentine defender was substituted at the break in the previous game against Burkina Faso. Martinez has been an integral part of Manchester United's center-back pairing with Harry Maguire this season, forming a successful partnership in the second half of last season.
At present, Manchester United sits 12th in the Premier League table, having only managed one win in their opening five games and conceding eight goals. A fit Martinez could provide a significant boost to the team ahead of their upcoming fixture.
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