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

After Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football, Argentina has dropped plans for an Asian tour. Instead, the team will host a series of three home friendly matches during the upcoming FIFA international window.

Three Matches Scheduled on Home Soil

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is arranging three friendlies between September 21 and October 6, according to ESPN Argentina. The first game is set for El Monumental stadium against either a South American or CONCACAF opponent. The remaining two games are likely to take place outside Buenos Aires, with Córdoba and Rosario being considered as host cities for Argentina’s return to domestic fixtures.

Asia Tour Cancelled Due to Messi's Decision

ESPN journalist Diego Monroig reported on Sportscenter that there is a 90 percent chance Argentina will play all their matches at home after the failure of the overseas travel plans. The original plan included a near-confirmed friendly against China, which has now been scrapped because of Messi ending his international career abruptly.

World Cup Qualification Format in Discussion

CONMEBOL is currently in talks with FIFA about how South America’s World Cup qualification spots will be allocated. A key point is whether automatic spots given to Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay as co-hosts will reduce the continent’s usual five-and-a-half places or be added on top. Despite this uncertainty, Argentina has formally requested to participate fully in the qualification matches.

Scaloni Faces a Busy Schedule Ahead

The three upcoming friendlies offer coach Lionel Scaloni a chance to test new tactics following Argentina’s narrow 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final. Another international window opens soon from November 9 to 17, signaling a busy calendar. This period is crucial for integrating a new generation into the squad without their iconic former captain before the 2027 season begins.