Lionel Messi will not play for Argentina against Burkina Faso today, Saturday, October 3, 2026, in the international friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Argentina will take the field without its longtime captain as Messi is being held out of the Burkina Faso match. His absence comes as Argentina continues its October international schedule with a series of home friendlies.
Why Isn’t Lionel Messi Playing Today?
Messi is being rested for Argentina vs. Burkina Faso and is not expected to be part of the lineup.
Instead, Messi’s appearance during this international window is scheduled for Argentina’s October 6 friendly against Benin.
That means fans attending Saturday’s Burkina Faso match should not expect to see Messi take the field.
Is Messi Injured?
Messi’s absence against Burkina Faso is not being treated as an injury-related absence. The decision is connected to Argentina’s plans for Messi during this international window.
Argentina also played without Messi in its 4-0 victory over Bolivia on September 30.
When Will Lionel Messi Play for Argentina Again?
Messi is expected to return for Argentina vs. Benin on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Estadio Monumental.
The match is expected to be a significant occasion for Messi and Argentina as it is planned as his farewell appearance with the national team following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina vs. Burkina Faso Match Information
Match: Argentina vs. Burkina Faso
Competition: International Friendly
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
U.S. streaming: ViX
Lionel Messi status: OUT — Not Playing
Where to Watch Argentina vs. Burkina Faso
Fans in the United States can watch Argentina vs. Burkina Faso live on ViX, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.
Even without Messi, the friendly provides Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni with another opportunity to evaluate his squad and give other players minutes ahead of future international competitions.
Will Messi Play Argentina vs. Benin?
As things currently stand, Messi is expected to play against Benin on October 6.
That makes Tuesday’s match the one for fans to watch if they are hoping to see Messi back in an Argentina shirt during this international window.
Lionel Messi Status vs. Burkina Faso
To summarize: Lionel Messi is not playing today for Argentina against Burkina Faso. He is being held out of Saturday’s friendly and is instead expected to feature when Argentina faces Benin on October 6.
Argentina vs. Burkina Faso kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET from the Estadio Monumental and will be available to stream in the United States on ViX.