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

Following Lionel Messi's retirement from international football, Argentina has dropped its plans for an Asian tour. Instead, the team will host a series of three friendlies on home soil during the upcoming autumn international window.

Three Home Fixtures Scheduled

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is organizing three matches between September 21 and October 6, according to ESPN Argentina. The first game is set to take place at El Monumental stadium against either a South American or CONCACAF opponent. The subsequent two matches are likely to be held in provincial cities, with Cordoba and Rosario leading the options for hosting.

Asia Tour Abandoned

ESPN journalist Diego Monroig reported on Sportscenter that the chance of playing all games at home stands at about 90 percent after overseas travel plans fell apart. The decision by Messi to retire abruptly ended what was nearly a confirmed fixture in China as part of the Asia tour.

World Cup Qualification Discussions Underway

Beyond friendlies, CONMEBOL and FIFA are currently debating how South America's World Cup qualifying spots will be allocated. The main issue is whether automatic places granted to Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay as co-hosts will reduce the continent's usual five-and-a-half qualification slots or be added on top. Argentina has formally expressed a desire to participate fully in the qualification process despite their hosting role.

Scaloni Faces a Demanding Schedule

The autumn trio of matches offers coach Lionel Scaloni a critical chance to adjust his tactics after Argentina’s narrow 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final. The team faces another FIFA international window soon after, from November 9 to 17. This period is vital for integrating new players and establishing a fresh team identity without their former captain before the 2027 season begins.