After the World Cup, Argentina’s national team will now play on home soil. Coach Lionel Scaloni’s side will play three friendly matches during FIFA’s September-October international break (September 21 to October 6). Although no official announcement has been made yet, everything is more or less confirmed, according to Olé. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is set to announce the details on Tuesday afternoon. Only one thing remains outstanding — whether FIFA will confirm these matches count as “Class A” fixtures. FIFA president Gianni Infantino is expected to approve this.
The schedule for the three friendlies has already been set. Argentina will play Bolivia in Córdoba on September 30, Burkina Faso at El Monumental on October 3, and Benin at the same venue on October 6. The AFA will announce the opponents, dates and venues on Tuesday, though it remains unclear whether the squad list will be announced the same day. Training could begin at Ezeiza on September 22 or 23, with a strong squad expected to be called up — likely including all the World Cup-winning players alongside a few new faces.
It matters that the matches be classified as “Class A,” since that would allow Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada to serve out the suspensions they received over the brawl in the World Cup final. Class A status would also mean the matches count toward FIFA rankings and players’ individual statistics.
The biggest question right now is the future of coach Lionel Scaloni. The AFA wants him to stay in charge through the 2030 World Cup, and has told him so. But Scaloni has not yet given his decision. For 50 days after the World Cup, the AFA’s approach was to leave him alone — no calls, no pressure. Most of the coaching staff are reportedly willing to continue, which is seen as a positive sign. But the final decision rests with Scaloni.
One thing is clear, however — the coaching staff will not remain exactly as before. Walter Samuel has already said that once his contract ends in December, he will not continue with the national team, as he wants to build his own career as a head coach. He had received offers from some European clubs even before the World Cup, but turned them down out of respect for his contract and commitment to his colleagues. If Scaloni stays on, a replacement will need to be found for Samuel’s vacant role — he had held special responsibility for set-piece strategy. Roberto Ayala, Pablo Aimar, goalkeeping coach Martín Tocalli, video analyst Matías Manna and trainer Luis Martín are all expected to stay on if Scaloni remains.
Amid all this, there is also an emotional dimension. Fans are hoping for one last chance to see Messi play on home soil. Messi has made clear he will not play for the national team again. But everyone is waiting for a farewell moment. Between the World Cup, the 2026 final, and two Copa América titles, the whole world is now full of praise for Messi as his extraordinary two-decade-plus journey draws to a close.