Buenos Aires was preparing for Argentina’s latest stop on the road towards Lionel Messi’s international farewell when Burkina Faso’s travelling party was reshaped by a flight disruption only hours before kick-off at the Monumental.
The African side had been due to meet the three-time world champions in Argentina’s second friendly after the 2026 World Cup, but the senior squad’s journey was thrown into doubt by repeated delays and the eventual cancellation of its scheduled flight.
Although an agreement had initially been reached for Burkina Faso to make the trip, problems with the airline left the delegation arriving in South America with barely any time before the match. Some senior players chose not to take part after the disrupted travel arrangements, forcing the federation to call on members of its Under-23 group to complete the squad.
A disrupted arrival at the Monumental
The delayed flight ultimately departed and landed in Buenos Aires after a journey of more than 11 hours. With the fixture already imminent, the Burkina Faso party had to head directly towards River Plate’s stadium rather than follow a conventional pre-match schedule.
The late changes mean Argentina will face a Burkina Faso selection containing younger players alongside the senior internationals who were able to travel, rather than the full-strength visiting group originally expected for the friendly.
The match is scheduled for 18:00 Mexico City time at the Monumental and will be shown on Vix+.
Supporters question the planning
The situation prompted frustration among Argentina supporters, particularly from those who had bought tickets expecting a more settled international fixture. Fans criticised the organisation around the visiting team’s journey and argued that a Brazilian club or an Argentine top-flight side would have been a more reliable alternative opponent.
Others pointed to the high cost of attending the match, describing the disruption as unfair on spectators who had paid heavily to watch Argentina in what is being framed as part of Messi’s final chapter with the national team.
