Argentina vs Burkina Faso: 3 October friendly preview

Before Lionel Messi's emotional farewell against Benin, Argentina will welcome another African side to Buenos Aires. On Saturday 3 October 2026, the world runners-up host Burkina Faso at the iconic Estadio Monumental. Here is everything you need to know about this rare meeting between South America and West Africa.

Argentina vs Burkina Faso: key facts

• Date: Saturday 3 October 2026
• Venue: Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires (capacity 85,000)
• Match type: international friendly

Argentina's return home after the World Cup

This October window marks Argentina's first home games since reaching the 2026 World Cup final, lost 1-0 to Spain on 19 July. The Albiceleste play three friendlies in eight days: Bolivia on 30 September in Córdoba, Burkina Faso on 3 October, and Benin on 6 October, both at the Monumental.

Will Messi play against Burkina Faso? No. Lionel Messi, who announced his international retirement on 31 August, will only join the squad for the final game against Benin on 6 October, his farewell match.

The match against Burkina Faso will instead be an opportunity for coach Lionel Scaloni to look at other players, including young talent Franco Mastantuono, who returns to the squad. Scaloni's own future is uncertain, with his contract due to expire in December.

Who are Burkina Faso?

Nicknamed the Stallions (Les Étalons), Burkina Faso reached the AFCON final in 2013 and are one of West Africa's most consistent teams. Coached by Amir Abdou, they arrive in Buenos Aires straight after their first two AFCON 2027 qualifiers, against Benin in Ouagadougou and the Central African Republic in Casablanca.

Their squad is built around a solid defence led by Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, alongside Issa Kaboré and Nasser Djiga. Amir Abdou has also brought in several new faces, while former captain Bertrand Traoré is still absent.

What to expect

Argentina will be clear favourites, but friendlies often give coaches the chance to experiment. For Burkina Faso's players, facing the world runners-up in front of a huge crowd at the Monumental will be a unique experience and a valuable test before the next round of AFCON qualifiers in November.

Read more

• Argentina vs Benin: Messi's farewell match on 6 October
• AFCON 2027 qualifiers: schedule, groups and favourites

Find our analysis and predictions in our Today's tips section, and join our WhatsApp channel so you never miss a thing.