The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has officially finalized the schedule and opponents for Argentina's final international fixtures of 2026, marking the official beginning of the Albiceleste's post-Lionel Messi chapter.
In the upcoming November international window, Argentina will host Uruguay at the iconic La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires on November 13, followed by a clash against Costa Rica at the Mario Kempes Stadium in Córdoba on November 17.
These friendlies will be the national team's first outings since the emotional international retirement of legendary captain Lionel Messi, who bade farewell on October 6, 2026, with a stellar goal and two assists in a 3-0 victory against Benin at Estadio Monumental. With veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi also stepping down, star defender Cristian Romero has permanently taken over the captaincy armband. Meanwhile, head coach Lionel Scaloni—who previously hinted at stepping down—is set to sign a contract extension through the next World Cup cycle. Because Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay will host special opening matches for the centenary 2030 FIFA World Cup, the world champions are exempt from traditional qualifying matches.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Sports Desk • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
