Lionel Messi’s Argentina to face Mexico in Chicago ahead of 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi will once again lead the Argentina national team as captain into another World Cup, following an impressive CONMEBOL qualifying campaign. Expecting this to be one of his final appearances on soccer’s biggest stage, Argentina has confirmed a friendly against Mexico in Chicago as part of their 2026 World Cup preparations.

With just two matchdays left in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, Argentina is already planning international friendlies to gear up for next year’s tournament. Initially, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) planned a tour to China during the October window, but those plans have now shifted to a North American tour.

After completing qualifiers in September, Argentina will face Mexico between October 8 and 14 at Soldier Field in Chicago. This will limit Messi’s travel time, as he will play in the same stadium where Argentina recently faced Ecuador in a friendly previewing the 2024 Copa America.

The last meeting between Argentina and Mexico came during Matchday 2 of Group C at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. In need of a win, Messi opened the scoring with a brilliant strike, and Enzo Fernandez sealed the 2-0 victory at Lusail Stadium.

Mexico is expected to be Argentina’s first friendly during the October international break. To round out the U.S. tour, TyC Sports reports talks have begun to arrange a second friendly against an as-yet-undetermined opponent at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Messi to face Mexico once again

Argentina holds a positive all-time record against Mexico, with 16 wins, 12 draws, and only 4 losses. However, tensions between the two countries have risen in recent years, highlighted by Mexican fans booing Messi earlier this year during an Inter Miami vs. Club America match.

In an interview with the YouTube channel Simplemente Futbol, Messi expressed surprise over the rivalry. “Honestly, I don’t know what happened with the Mexicans. When did that rivalry, that beef, start? They put themselves in a position of rivalry with us that doesn’t really exist. There’s no comparison between Argentina and Mexico, and I don’t know where that came from,” he said.

He also acknowledged the mixed reception he’s received from Mexican fans: “I’ve always felt very loved by the people of Mexico, and I’ve never disrespected anyone.” Now on U.S. soil, all eyes will be on how both Messi and the Argentina national team are received by Mexican supporters.