Argentina end 2026 with home friendlies vs Uruguay, Costa Rica in November
Synopsis
Argentina wrap up 2026 without Lionel Messi for the first time in nearly two decades. With Cristian Romero newly installed as captain and overseas tours to Saudi Arabia and India reportedly scrapped, the AFA has pivoted to two home friendlies — against Uruguay in Buenos Aires and Costa Rica in Córdoba — that will double as the first real test of post-Messi Argentina under Scaloni.
Key Takeaways
Argentina will play Uruguay at La Bombonera, Buenos Aires on 13 November 2026 and Costa Rica at the Mario Kempes Stadium, Córdoba on 17 November 2026 .
Both matches are confirmed home friendlies, ending Argentina's 2026 international programme on home soil.
Plans for overseas friendlies against Saudi Arabia and India were reportedly abandoned due to logistical complications.
Lionel Messi , Argentina's record scorer ( 126 goals , 208 caps ), will not feature after his farewell game — a 3-0 win over Benin on 6 October .
Atlético Madrid defender Cristian Romero was named the new Argentina captain by coach Lionel Scaloni in September 2026 .
World champions Argentina will close out their 2026 international calendar with two home friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica in November, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has confirmed. The back-to-back fixtures mark not only the final chapter of Argentina's year but also a new era — one without Lionel Messi in the national team setup.
Fixtures and Venues
Coach Lionel Scaloni's side will first host Uruguay at the iconic La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on 13 November, before heading to Córdoba to face Costa Rica at the Mario Kempes Stadium on 17 November. Both fixtures fall within the FIFA international window, giving Scaloni a final opportunity this year to assess his squad across two different host cities.
Abandoned Overseas Plans
The home-based schedule follows reports that Argentina had originally considered overseas friendlies against Saudi Arabia and India during the same window. Those arrangements were reportedly shelved due to logistical complications, prompting the AFA to pivot to domestic venues instead. The change means Argentine fans in Buenos Aires and Córdoba will get rare home-soil access to the world champions.
Messi's Era Ends
The November matches will be the first major fixtures without Lionel Messi, Argentina's all-time record goalscorer with 126 international goals and most-capped player with 208 appearances. Messi made his farewell outing for the Albiceleste during their 3-0 victory over Benin on 6 October, and is not expected to feature in either November game. His absence draws a clear line under one of international football's most decorated careers and opens a new chapter for Argentine football.
New Captain, New Direction
Atlético Madrid defender Cristian Romero was named Argentina's new national team captain by Scaloni in September, stepping into a leadership role that carries enormous symbolic weight after the Messi years. The two November friendlies will be among his earliest extended opportunities to stamp his authority on the squad. The Uruguay clash, in particular, carries the weight of a century-old South American rivalry and is expected to draw significant domestic interest.
What the Matches Mean Going Forward
Beyond the occasion, the fixtures serve a practical purpose: Scaloni will use the games to evaluate depth options and hand fringe players competitive international exposure. Costa Rica, a lower-ranked CONCACAF side, offers a useful contrast to the intensity of a Uruguay derby, and together the two matches provide a balanced fitness-and-form check-in heading into 2027. With a potential FIFA World Cup qualifying cycle and continental commitments on the horizon, how Scaloni shapes this transitional squad over the coming months will be closely watched across South America.
Point of View
Romero wears the armband, and the squad's depth is an open question. The pivot from overseas tours — reportedly including India and Saudi Arabia — to home venues also signals that the AFA is conscious of player welfare and squad cohesion at a sensitive transition moment. The Uruguay fixture will be the real barometer; how a post-Messi Argentina handles the psychological weight of the fiercest rivalry in South American football will tell us far more than a win or loss against Costa Rica ever could.
NationPress
31 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will Argentina play their November 2026 friendlies?
Argentina will face Uruguay at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on 13 November 2026, then travel to Córdoba to meet Costa Rica at the Mario Kempes Stadium on 17 November 2026. Both matches are confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
Why is Lionel Messi not playing in Argentina's November friendlies?
Lionel Messi made his farewell appearance for Argentina in a 3-0 win over Benin on 6 October 2026 and is not expected to feature in any further national team fixtures. With 126 goals and 208 caps, he remains Argentina's all-time record scorer and most-capped player.
Who is the new Argentina captain after Messi?
Atlético Madrid defender Cristian Romero was named Argentina's new captain by coach Lionel Scaloni in September 2026, taking over the armband as the team enters a post-Messi era.
Why did Argentina cancel overseas friendlies against Saudi Arabia and India?
Argentina reportedly abandoned plans for overseas trips to Saudi Arabia and India during the same FIFA international window due to logistical complications. The AFA instead opted for two home fixtures in Buenos Aires and Córdoba.
What is the significance of the Argentina vs Uruguay fixture?
The Argentina–Uruguay match carries the weight of one of football's oldest and most intense South American rivalries. It will also be one of the first high-profile tests of the newly captained, post-Messi Argentina side, making it a closely watched gauge of the team's direction under Scaloni.
