Roma Blocks Nahuel Molina From Joining Argentina National Team
Roma has decided not to release Nahuel Molina for the Argentina national team's upcoming matches, despite FIFA reducing his suspension. The defender would be eligible for one of the friendlies, but the Italian club prefers to keep him in training.
Roma has decided to prevent Nahuel Molina from joining the Argentina national team during the November international break, despite the defender receiving a reduction in his disciplinary suspension.
According to information published by Football Italia, the Italian club informed the Argentine Football Association (AFA) that the right-back would remain at its Trigoria training facilities.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni had hoped to include the defender in his squad for the upcoming international friendlies. However, the request reportedly arrived too late for the Italian club to change its plans.
Roma considers it a priority for Molina to continue training with his teammates and avoid international travel during this period.
FIFA Reduces Nahuel Molina's Suspension
The controversy began following the 2026 World Cup final, when Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat against Spain after extra time.
Following that match, FIFA handed Nahuel Molina a seven-match suspension and a $77,000 fine for violent conduct.
The governing body also punished Leandro Paredes with a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine.
However, Molina's suspension was recently reduced from seven matches to four.
The right-back has already served three matches of his suspension during October's friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin, leaving him with just one match remaining.
Argentina to Face Uruguay and Costa Rica Without Molina
The Argentina national team has two international friendlies scheduled for November, first against Uruguay and then against Costa Rica.
Although Nahuel Molina would be eligible to play in the second match after serving his suspension, Roma's position would prevent him from joining the squad.
The Italian club wants to keep the defender in optimal condition as it continues competing in Serie A and European competitions.
This season, Molina has made 12 appearances for Roma, scoring one goal in the Champions League and providing two assists in the Italian league.
The team currently sits third in the Serie A standings with 27 points, just two behind league leader Lazio.
Key Takeaways
- Roma refused to release Nahuel Molina for the Argentina national team.
- FIFA reduced his suspension from seven matches to four.
- Molina has just one match remaining on his suspension.
- Argentina will face Uruguay and Costa Rica in November.
- Roma currently sits third in Serie A with 27 points.
