Argentina Cancels Asia Tour After Messi’s Retirement, Plans Three-Game Home Series

The Argentine Football Association has dropped its plans for an Asian tour after Lionel Messi decided to retire from international football. Instead, Argentina will host three home friendlies during the upcoming autumn international break.

Three Matches Scheduled on Home Turf

Between September 21 and October 6, Argentina is set to play a trio of matches at home. According to ESPN Argentina, the first game will be held at El Monumental stadium against either a South American or CONCACAF opponent. The other two games are expected to take place outside Buenos Aires, with Córdoba and Rosario emerging as likely venues for the team’s homecoming.

Asia Trip Cancelled

ESPN journalist Diego Monroig revealed on Sportscenter that the squad has a 90 percent chance of staying in Argentina throughout this FIFA window. The cancellation follows the collapse of overseas travel plans which hinged on Messi’s participation. A fixture against China, once nearly confirmed, was scrapped as a result.

World Cup Qualification Format Being Discussed

Beyond these friendlies, CONMEBOL and FIFA are negotiating South America’s World Cup qualification slots. Discussions focus on whether automatic spots granted to Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay as co-hosts will count within the continent’s usual five-and-a-half allocation or be added on top. Regardless of the final decision, Argentina has formally requested to remain fully engaged in the qualification process.

Scaloni Faces Intense Schedule Ahead

The three-match series offers coach Lionel Scaloni a chance to revise his tactics following the narrow 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final last July. Another FIFA window arrives quickly between November 9 and 17, making this period critical for integrating new talent without their former captain before the 2027 season begins.