Argentina prepares for return after World Cup 2026
The Argentina national team is already planning its schedule of friendly matches for the coming months after its participation in the 2026 World Cup. According to Infobae, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is looking to confirm three matches in the first window, which will run from September 21 to October 6, and two more in November. Currently, Argentina leads the group with 9 points (3 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses) and a goal difference of +7, following their recent defeat against Spain (1-0) on July 19, 2026.
Where and against whom will they play?
The team is looking to play one match in Buenos Aires, with hopes that Lionel Messi will play in front of his home crowd. The opponent could be a South American or CONCACAF team, though nothing has been confirmed yet. The other two matches would take place in Asia, with China as the main destination and its national team as a possible opponent.
The future of Messi and Scaloni
The biggest question is whether Messi will continue with the national team. After the defeat in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, the star from Rosario did not return with the squad to Argentina. Meanwhile, Lionel Scaloni, whose contract expires in December, is evaluating whether to renew. The AFA is looking to offer him a new deal until 2030, but they are waiting for tensions to ease before resuming negotiations.
Scaloni's legacy
Under Scaloni's leadership, Argentina played 104 matches, with 76 wins, 18 draws, and 10 losses. The team won four titles: the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Currently, they hold the second spot in the FIFA rankings, behind Spain.
