Argentina will play friendly matches against Bolivia on September 30 in Córdoba and against Burkina Faso on October 3 in Buenos Aires. These are the first national team games since Messi's retirement in late August.
AFA President Claudio Tapia announced that Messi will "get the farewell he truly deserves here in Argentina." Messi had decided to retire after Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain. He had represented his country for 21 years, including the 2014 World Cup final loss in Brazil and the 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar against France. Messi also led Argentina to Copa América victories in 2021 and 2024.





