Argentine Media: Argentina's China Tour Cancelled After Messi Announces National Team Retirement

On September 5 Beijing time, according to Argentine media outlet TyC Sports, the Argentine Football Association will announce the friendly match arrangements for the September and October international windows next Monday. It is currently unclear whether Messi, who has retired from the national team, will return to his homeland to say goodbye to fans on the pitch.

Although Messi announced his retirement from the national team through a handwritten letter, fans still hope to see him one last time: on the pitch, wearing the No. 10 shirt, in his own country. However, it is currently unclear whether Messi will join Argentina's squad for this occasion and bring a perfect conclusion to his brilliant career. Everything will depend on his own wishes.

There is currently no information about which opponents the Argentina national team will face or where the warm-up matches will be held. However, the possibility of the matches taking place in Buenos Aires, Cordoba and Rosario is growing. Related negotiations have entered the final stages and are only awaiting an official announcement.

It is worth noting that due to a series of incidents during the World Cup, Argentina is currently facing penalties imposed by FIFA, and its next two matches will be subject to attendance restrictions. The first match will allow 50% stadium capacity. In addition, suspended players Paredes (10 matches), Molina (7 matches), Ayala (3 matches) and Almada (1 match) will also be unavailable.

The biggest issue is that if the matches are held in Argentina, FIFA will in principle not recognize them as Class A international friendlies. This means all players involved in suspensions will be unable to reduce their suspension match counts.

The only thing currently confirmed is that matches will resume during the international window from September 21 to October 6. In addition, Argentina's China tour will not take place, and the plan was cancelled after news emerged that Messi had ended his national team career.