Argentina Set for First Friendlies Without Messi
Argentina's national football team is preparing for its first matches following Lionel Messi's retirement from international play. The team faces disciplinary challenges, including reduced stadium capacity and player suspensions stemming from previous controversies.
Why it matters
The transition period for a world-champion team post-Messi is a major narrative in international football.
Argentina will begin preparations for life without Lionel Messi when they face Bolivia in a friendly on September 30, according to the Argentine Football Association. The match will be played in Cordoba as the world champions begin a new chapter following Messi’s retirement from international football. Argentina will then return......
Argentina will begin preparations for life without Lionel Messi when they face Bolivia in a friendly on September 30, according to the Argentine Football Association.
The match will be played in Cordoba as the world champions begin a new chapter following Messi’s retirement from international football.
Argentina will then return to Buenos Aires for two more friendlies against African opposition, taking on Burkina Faso on October 3 and Benin on October 6. Both matches will be staged at River Plate’s Monumental Stadium.
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