Argentina Cancels Asia Tour After Messi's Retirement, Plans Three Home Friendlies

The Argentine national team has dropped plans for an Asian tour and will instead host three friendly matches at home during the upcoming international break. This change comes after Lionel Messi decided to retire from international football.

Three Home Matches Scheduled in Argentina

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is organizing a trio of friendlies between September 21 and October 6. According to ESPN Argentina, the first match will take place at El Monumental, likely against a South American or CONCACAF opponent. The subsequent two games are expected to be held outside Buenos Aires, with Cordoba and Rosario emerging as probable hosts.

Asia Tour Plans Abandoned

ESPN journalist Diego Monroig reported on Sportscenter that there is a 90 percent chance Argentina will play all matches at home this window. The original plan for an Asian tour, including a near-confirmed fixture against China, collapsed following Messi's decision to end his international career.

World Cup Qualifying Format Still Under Discussion

Meanwhile, CONMEBOL is negotiating with FIFA regarding South America's qualification spots for the next World Cup. The talks focus on whether the automatic spots given to co-hosts Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay will reduce the continent's usual five-and-a-half places or be added on top. Despite this uncertainty, Argentina has requested to fully participate in the qualifying campaign.

Coach Scaloni Faces a Grueling Schedule Ahead

The autumn series offers coach Lionel Scaloni a chance to adjust his tactics after Argentina's narrow 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final last July. Another FIFA window is set for November 9 to 17, making for a packed international calendar. This transitional phase is key for integrating new players without their iconic former captain before the 2027 season begins.