The Argentina national football team began their first training sessions this week without Lionel Messi, who retired from the national side in October after more than two decades in the Albiceleste shirt.
This Wednesday the squad returned to work at the Argentine Football Association’s training centre in Ezeiza, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, which bears the former captain’s name. The first session was held on Tuesday, behind closed doors.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni is leading the 28 call-ups for the friendlies against Uruguay, this Friday at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires, and against Costa Rica on Tuesday the 17th in the city of Cordoba.
Messi announced his retirement after the 2026 World Cup, in which Argentina lost the final to Spain. He bid farewell on 6 October at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires with a goal and two assists in the 3-0 win over Benin.
His departure left the number 10 shirt vacant, which no player will wear in these two matches.
Source: Viory
