Buenos Aires is preparing for another glimpse of Argentina’s future. With Lionel Messi’s international farewell set for 7 October, the world champions’ runners-up return to the Monumental Stadium on Sunday to face Burkina Faso in a friendly built around work, continuity and the player who caught the eye against Bolivia.
Quick facts
- Argentina host Burkina Faso at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
- It will be the first meeting between the two nations.
- Argentina beat Bolivia 4-0 in their previous friendly on Thursday.
- Nico Paz scored once and supplied an assist in 56 minutes against Bolivia.
- Burkina Faso have begun Africa Cup of Nations qualifying unbeaten, with one win and one draw.
The fixture is Argentina’s second match of the international break and comes before Messi’s final appearance for the national team on 7 October. That farewell match will be broadcast by La Chaine L’Équipe.
With no major international tournament immediately on the calendar, Argentina are using the window to sharpen tactical ideas and strengthen the collective before the post-Messi era takes shape.
The first step was emphatic. Argentina swept aside Bolivia 4-0 on Thursday despite Messi not being present, offering an early indication that the side intend to remain competitive after their long-serving No. 10 departs.
Nico Paz was the standout performer. The attacking midfielder, already impressing at Como and due to remain there next season, struck Argentina’s second goal in the 29th minute before creating another from a corner in the 53rd.
The 15-cap player left the field in the 56th minute to a warm ovation. His display has strengthened the growing belief that he could become a leading creative figure for Argentina once Messi is gone.
Burkina Faso bring tournament pedigree
Burkina Faso arrive as a more demanding opponent than Bolivia. The Stallions are accustomed to reaching the latter stages of the Africa Cup of Nations and have opened their latest qualifying campaign without defeat.
They have taken one victory and one draw from their first two qualifiers. Sunday’s match, however, will take them into entirely new territory: neither Burkina Faso nor Argentina has faced the other before.
For Argentina, the occasion is less about the result than the shape of what follows. At the Monumental, with Messi’s final bow drawing closer, Paz and the next generation have another night to show they are ready.
