Messi Set for Argentina Farewell as CONMEBOL Teams Return to Action

All ten South American nations play friendlies in the first international window since the 2026 World Cup, with Lionel Messi scheduled for his final Argentina appearance.

The first international window since the 2026 World Cup brings all ten CONMEBOL nations back into action, with a full slate of friendlies as managers begin preparing for the 2028 Copa América and 2030 World Cup qualifying.

Argentina, who lost the World Cup final to Spain after extra time, will host Bolivia on September 30, Burkina Faso on October 3 and Benin on October 6, all in Buenos Aires. Lionel Messi announced his international retirement at the end of August but remains in Lionel Scaloni's squad, and the Benin match will be his final appearance for the national team.

Scaloni named nine uncapped players, including six from the Argentine domestic league: four from River Plate plus one each from Boca Juniors and Estudiantes. Cristian Romero will captain a squad that also features Emiliano Martínez, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Alvarez and Enzo Fernández.

Brazil, eliminated by Norway in the round of 16, will face Australia twice, in Townsville and Brisbane on September 25 and 29, before meeting India in Kolkata on October 3. Carlo Ancelotti selected eleven domestic-based players and three young goalkeepers, leaving out Ederson, Alisson and Weverton. Ten uncapped players are in the squad, with Marquinhos as captain.

Bolivia, still winless since their intercontinental play-off defeat to Iraq, meet Paraguay in Washington on September 27 before traveling to Córdoba to play Argentina. Their squad includes four potential debutants, all based in Bolivia.