Under the reported itinerary, Argentina would begin against Bolivia at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba on Wednesday, 30 September. The team would then face Burkina Faso and Benin at River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires on Saturday, 3 October and Tuesday, 6 October.
Those two Buenos Aires fixtures are already being viewed as possible farewell appearances in front of Argentina’s home supporters. The setting would be significant: Messi’s international career has been shaped by major tournament triumphs, difficult defeats and a bond with supporters that extends well beyond his performances on the pitch.
Messi’s value would not be limited to minutes played. His presence would give Lionel Scaloni an opportunity to manage a transition around the most influential figure of Argentina’s modern era, while younger forwards operate under an unusual level of attention.
The report also says Messi had identified the July World Cup final against Spain as his last Argentina appearance. If that claim is accurate, even a brief appearance in Buenos Aires would carry meaning beyond the result. It could offer supporters a final chance to see him in national colours without the pressure of a competitive tournament.
The next decisive moment is the official squad announcement. Inclusion would not guarantee a start across all three games, particularly in a friendly programme. Argentina may prefer to protect Messi’s workload, while the player himself would determine whether this is a return, a farewell tour or simply a final opportunity to represent his country.
If his selection is confirmed, attention will shift immediately to Córdoba and Buenos Aires - and to whether one of those nights becomes Messi’s last home appearance for Argentina.