Argentina’s next international window will carry both a farewell and a hint of renewal, beginning in Córdoba before moving to Buenos Aires for three friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin. Lionel Messi has been included for what will be his official final appearance with the Albiceleste, while Fiorentina forward Franco Mastantuono returns to the senior squad.
A final tour for Messi
- Argentina will face Bolivia in Córdoba on 30 September.
- The squad will then play Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on 3 October.
- Benin are scheduled to meet the world finalists in Buenos Aires on 6 October, completing the window and Messi’s international goodbye.
Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia confirmed that the captain would be part of Lionel Scaloni’s selection, saying Messi will receive the farewell he deserves.
Messi and 19 other players in the group were involved in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final against Spain. The forthcoming fixtures, however, also bring several players back into view as Scaloni starts to reshape the group after the tournament.
Mastantuono returns as younger players reappear
Mastantuono is back after missing the World Cup. The attacker has been in strong form at Fiorentina, where he is on loan from Real Madrid, and his recall places him among the players seeking a longer role in Argentina’s next cycle.
Two defenders return after injury interrupted their path before the World Cup: Roma centre-back Leonardo Balerdi and Villarreal’s Juan Foyth.
- Agustín Giay, the Palmeiras defender, returns to the squad.
- Benfica attacker Gianluca Prestianni is recalled.
- Roma’s Matías Soulé is included again.
- Santiago Castro, also of Roma, returns to the senior selection.
There is also a first full international call-up for Román Vega. The Zenit left-back had previously made only two friendly appearances for Argentina’s under-23 side in 2024, and now joins Scaloni’s senior group for the September and October meetings.
