Córdoba and Buenos Aires will frame Argentina’s international break, with four Atlético de Madrid players travelling home for a trio of friendlies shaped by Lionel Messi’s planned farewell to the national side.
Messi recently announced that he will leave Argentina duty, but has been selected so supporters can see him one last time on the pitch. Juan Musso, Cristian “Cuti” Romero, Giuliano Simeone and Julián Álvarez are included in Lionel Scaloni’s group for the occasion.
Quick facts
- Argentina play Bolivia in Córdoba on 30 September.
- Burkina Faso visit Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium on 3 October.
- Benin face Argentina at the Monumental three days later.
- Atlético have four players involved: Musso, Romero, Giuliano Simeone and Julián Álvarez.
The four Atlético representatives have been regular selections during Scaloni’s recent years in charge. For Álvarez and Giuliano Simeone, the call-up extends a club connection into an emotionally significant set of fixtures for the world champions.
There will also be familiar faces from Atlético’s recent past. Rodrigo de Paul and Nico González are among the former Colchoneros expected to feature during the three-match home programme.
Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada will not be available. Both are serving FIFA suspensions imposed after the World Cup final, which Argentina lost to Spain.
