Argentina Cancel Asia Tour After Messi Retirement, Schedule Three Home Friendlies

The Argentine Football Association has dropped plans for an Asian tour after Lionel Messi retired from international football. Instead, Argentina will host a trio of friendly matches at home during the upcoming international break.

Three Matches Set on Home Soil

Between September 21 and October 6, Argentina is preparing to welcome fans back to domestic venues for three friendlies. The first game is expected to take place at El Monumental stadium against either a South American or CONCACAF opponent. The remaining two matches are likely to be played in provincial cities, with Cordoba and Rosario considered leading options for hosting.

Asia Tour Plans Collapse

According to ESPN journalist Diego Monroig, there is about a 90 percent chance the team will play all fixtures at home after their overseas arrangements fell through. Initially, a match against China was nearly confirmed as part of the Asian trip, but Messi's decision ended those plans abruptly.

World Cup Qualifying Format Under Discussion

Meanwhile, CONMEBOL is in talks with FIFA about South America's qualification spots for the next World Cup. The debate focuses on whether the automatic berths given to co-hosts Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay will come out of the continent's usual five-and-a-half places or be added on top. Regardless of FIFA's final decision, Argentina wants to compete fully throughout the qualifiers.

Busy Schedule Ahead for Lionel Scaloni

The autumn friendlies offer coach Lionel Scaloni a chance to adjust his tactics after the narrow 1-0 loss to Spain in July’s World Cup final. Another international window follows quickly between November 9 and 17, promising a packed calendar. This transitional phase is crucial for integrating a new generation of players without Messi before the 2027 season starts.