Defending World Cup champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, are set to turn their focus to the next major tournament after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Fans in Argentina got to see their national team return home at the start of 2023, as La Albiceleste continued the celebrations with successive friendly wins over Panama and Curacao.
Argentina have backed up their FIFA title with a blistering start to 2023, still yet to concede a single goal since the 2022 World Cup final. On the other end, Lionel Messi has been sensational as the 36-year-old shows no signs of slowing down.
The Sporting News brings you the latest information regarding known Argentina fixtures throughout the 2023 calendar year.
LIVE BLOG: Follow along as Argentina takes on Ecuador to begin 2026 World Cup qualifying
June 2023 provided an opportunity for Lionel Scaloni to bring his squad together further, with 2-0 victories over Australia and Indonesia proving further post-World Cup jubliation for the South American side.
Now the attention turns to CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying for 2026, which begins in September. Argentina face fixtures against Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay before ending the calendar year with a high-profile trip to Brazil.
MORE: Breaking down the numbers behind Lionel Messi’s record-breaking hat-trick against Curacao
Lionel Messi became the third player in the history of international football to reach 100 goals for a national team by scoring a hat-trick against Curacao on March 28.
He followed that up by opening the scoring in the 2-0 win over Australia on June 15, curling in a fine goal in just the second minute, making it the fastest goal of his illustrious career. Then, with a goal against Ecuador to begin 2026 World Cup qualifying, Messi found the back of the net in eight straight international matches, the longest stretch of his career.
MORE: Can Lionel Messi reach Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time goals scored record?
He is now on 104 for his international career, moving Messi ever closer to the 109 of Iran’s Ali Daei in second. Only Cristiano Ronaldo stands above him, with 123 goals for Portugal.
Messi also passed the 800-goal career mark in 2023, as his strike against Panama moved him into elite company. Only Ronaldo has more goals for club and country combined.
Kyle Bonn is a soccer content producer for The Sporting News.
