The post-Messi era begins in November; Argentina to face Uruguay and Costa Rica

Argentina is set to begin a new journey—without Messi. During the FIFA international break this coming November, the world champions will play two friendly matches. Lionel Scaloni’s side is scheduled to face Uruguay in Buenos Aires on November 13, followed by a match against Costa Rica in Córdoba on November 17.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced the opponents for these November fixtures on its website yesterday. Following Messi’s retirement announcement, fan interest in these matches has intensified. The encounter against Uruguay will mark the start of a new chapter for Argentina in the post-Messi era.

Potential return to La Bombonera after three years

The venue for the match against Uruguay in Buenos Aires has not yet been officially finalized. However, the Argentine media outlet *Clarín* reports that it is highly likely to take place at La Bombonera, the iconic stadium of Boca Juniors. If confirmed, this would mark Argentina’s return to the venue after nearly three years.

It was at this very stadium that Scaloni’s team suffered a 2–0 defeat to Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier on November 16, 2023. That loss ended a 14-match unbeaten streak and served as the team’s first defeat since winning the World Cup. Furthermore, it was Argentina’s first loss in the World Cup qualifiers under Scaloni’s tenure.

While they are facing the same opponent again, the circumstances are different. With Messi no longer in the squad, Scaloni must focus on rebuilding the team—a shift that could provide an opportunity for new players to step up and take on greater responsibility.

Second match against Costa Rica in Córdoba

Three days after the clash with Uruguay, Argentina will face Costa Rica in Córdoba on November 17. While the venue for this match has not been officially confirmed, local media reports suggest it could be held at the Mario Kempes Stadium.

Argentina recently played a friendly match at this same stadium, securing a victory against Bolivia. That match was the team’s first outing following their defeat in the World Cup final. ## Who Will Inherit Messi’s Number 10 Jersey?

Messi played his final match in an Argentina shirt this month, during a friendly against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. In the same match, Nicolás Otamendi also announced his retirement from the national team.

With Messi absent for the upcoming matches in November, Cristian Romero will wear the captain’s armband for Argentina. However, it has not yet been decided who will take over Messi’s iconic number 10 jersey; the team management prefers not to rush this decision.

These two matches in November serve as a crucial opportunity for Lionel Scaloni to evaluate his squad ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, which begin in March 2027. It allows him to test new players while also assessing the leadership capabilities of his more experienced squad members.

As co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup, Argentina has already secured their place in the tournament. This gives the reigning world champions the chance to focus on building the squad for the future and developing new leadership.