Argentina’s plans for its next international schedule have changed following Lionel Messi’s decision to retire from international football. The Argentina Football Association (AFA) had planned an Asia tour built around the star forward, but that plan is now set to be scrapped.
Instead of the Asia tour, Argentina is now preparing to play three matches at home during the September-October FIFA international window.
According to a report by ESPN Argentina, the AFA is planning to hold a three-match home series during the international window from Sept. 21 to Oct. 6. The first match is planned for El Monumental in Buenos Aires, against either a South American side or a CONCACAF opponent. Cordoba and Rosario are the leading candidates to host the remaining two matches.
Argentina had previously planned an Asia tour for this international window, with a match against China nearly confirmed. But those plans changed after Messi decided to end his international career.
ESPN journalist Diego Monroig said there is now roughly a 90% chance Argentina will play the entire international window at home. Speaking on SportsCenter’s morning show, he said: “The team has a 90% chance of spending the whole window at home.”
These three home matches could prove important for coach Lionel Scaloni as he builds a squad around a new generation of players without Messi. Following a 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final in July, Scaloni now faces the challenge of rebuilding the team.
Another FIFA international window follows from Nov. 9 to 17. That makes the upcoming matches critically important for Scaloni as he prepares the post-Messi Argentina squad ahead of a busy 2027 schedule.