Argentina to begin post-Messi era with friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica

Argentina will host Uruguay and Costa Rica in November, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced on Friday, in its first matches since Lionel Messi’s emotional farewell to the Albiceleste.

Lionel Scaloni’s side will open its international window on November 13 against Uruguay at a yet-to-be-confirmed stadium in Buenos Aires.

The second friendly, against Costa Rica, will take place on November 17 in Córdoba, in central Argentina, AFA confirmed on social media.

The two matches will usher in the post-Messi era for Argentina, the World Cup 2026 runners-up.

The Rosario-born superstar played his final match on October 6 against Benin at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental, bidding farewell with a penalty goal and two assists.

Scaloni's future is also uncertain, with the coach’s contract due to expire in December.

Following the 2026 North American World Cup, Scaloni had suggested he was unsure whether to continue in the role.

However, he reassured fans in late September, saying he had begun talks with AFA president Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia and that both parties were “willing” to extend his contract.