Messi arrives in Asia with Argentina's national team, schedule draws attention

Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team are set for an additional significant friendly match in the March FIFA international window, shortly following their top-level encounter at the Finalissima.

After several months of uncertainty due to a congested match calendar, the Finalissima between Argentina and Spain has been confirmed for Friday, March 27th. Numerous countries had expressed interest in hosting, but ultimately the two football federations agreed to hold the match at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, where Argentina claimed the 2022 World Cup title after defeating France.

According to World Soccer Talk, Messi will make his third appearance at Lusail, not only for the Finalissima. Four days after facing Spain led by Yamal, Argentina confirmed they will play against Qatar's national team on Tuesday, March 31st, as their second friendly during the March FIFA Days.

Argentina is among the participants in the Qatar Football Festival 2026, a friendly tournament organized by the host nation featuring several prominent teams. Alongside Argentina, Spain, and Qatar, other participants include Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Serbia.

This will be only the second time Argentina faces Qatar. Their first meeting was at the 2019 Copa America in Brazil, where Argentina defeated the invited guests 2-0 with goals from Lautaro Martínez and Sergio Agüero.

The most recent FIFA Days in November 2025 brought little joy to Argentina fans, as the Argentine Football Association (AFA) struggled to arrange friendlies. Messi and his teammates had just one away match in Angola, commemorating the African nation’s 50th independence anniversary.

With the 2026 World Cup less than six months away, Argentina is accelerating its preparations. After the March gathering, another FIFA Days period will occur in early June, right before the tournament, during which Argentina is expected to play two friendlies in North America. Although not officially confirmed, Mexico and Honduras are leading candidates.

Following these four matches, including the Finalissima, Argentina will enter World Cup 2026 in Group J. Messi’s team will open against Algeria on June 16th in Kansas City, then face Austria on June 22nd and Jordan on June 27th, both matches held in Dallas.