The Argentina men's national team does not know what its future will look like after Lionel Messi's retirement from international play earlier this month, but it does know the first steps it will take.
The Albiceleste announced a pair of November friendly matches, filling the FIFA window with stronger teams than it played in October when it easily dispatched Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin.
The month will begin with a rivalry contest against neighbors Uruguay in Buenos Aires before Central American squad Costa Rica visits in Cordoba. The specific venues have not been announced, but the match against the fellow South Americans is set for Nov. 13, while the Costa Rica game will be played Nov. 17.
Costa Rica had hoped to be in action in the Concacaf
Nations League quarterfinals but fell to Curacao and Haiti to start group play in the competition. That led Costa Rica to fire Argentine manager Fernando "Bocha" Bautista and turn to former star player Bryan Ruiz as interim manager.
The 41-year-old is expected to continue to lead Costa Rica, though the federation has yet to make an official announcement.
Prior to the Ticos' visit to Argentina, Costa Rica will play Ecuador in Quito on Nov. 13. That match marks the home debut of new Ecuador manager Marcelo Gallardo, an Argentina native known for his time with famed Buenos Aires club River Plate.
Who will replace Leo Messi for Argentina?
For now, it is Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni's job to figure out how to navigate life without Messi in Argentina. One of the longest-tenured international coaches, Scaloni called on a number of talented young players in the September-October window.
He handed minutes to 19-year-old Franco Mastantuono, 20-year-old Gianluca Prestianni and 22-year-old Nico Paz - three rising stars already based in Europe who are expected to be key for Argentina without Messi.
Scaloni's future with Argentina also is in question. The 48-year-old's contract expires at the end of the year, meaning these could be his final two matches in charge of the Albiceleste. While talks have taken place about a renewal, Messi's retirement and a desire to try his hand in the club game could see Scaloni opt for a new challenge and push Argentina further into a new era.
Messi will have finished the MLS regular season with Inter Miami, but knows he will be preparing for the MLS playoffs after the Herons booked their place in the postseason with a 2-0 win over New York City FC on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Argentina announces first steps in post-Lionel Messi era
