The Argentine Football Association has announced that Argentina's national football team will participate in two friendly matches in November, facing Uruguay and Costa Rica. This development comes following Lionel Messi's decision to withdraw from the team, Albiceleste.
Argentina is set to face Uruguay on November 13 in Buenos Aires and Costa Rica on November 17 in Córdoba, marking the country's first matches since Lionel Messi's official retirement from the national team on October 6, following a friendly against Benin.
Argentina's upcoming match against Costa Rica will take place at the Mario Kempes stadium, a venue that hosted a recent triple-header of friendly matches, including Argentina's encounters with Burkina Faso.
The location of Argentina's matches against the combined Charrúa team remains uncertain, with the possibility of hosting in either the Monumental stadium, home to River Plate, or the Bombonera stadium, which is the venue for Boca Juniors.
The Argentine national team will conclude its 2026 season following two upcoming matches, having previously achieved a notable run that culminated in the World Cup final in North America, where they ultimately fell to Spain by a score of 0-1.
The team ranked second in the FIFA standings as of last year achieved a remarkable undefeated streak, winning all 15 of their matches prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they ultimately fell to the Red in the championship final.
Argentina's national team coach, Lionel Scaloni, is currently engaged in contract renewal discussions with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), potentially clarifying his future with the team following the upcoming friendly matches.
Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has expressed optimism regarding the possibility of retaining his position, however, negotiations with AFA president Claudio Tapia have yet to be concluded.
Tapia shared a photo with the coach on his social media platforms during the final friendly match, indicating that negotiations for a new contract had progressed in a positive manner.
Argentina's upcoming friendly matches against Uruguay and Costa Rica will feature a revamped squad list, with a significant increase in new and young players. This development reflects a broader process of renewal within the team, following the success of the 2022 World Cup-winning staff, as well as their victories in the 2021 and 2024 Copa America tournaments, and the 2022 Finalissima.
