Lionel Messi Sets Farewell Date as USMNT and Germany Debut New Managers

Lionel Messi will play his final international game for Argentina against Benin on October 6 at River Plate’s stadium.

Lionel Messi will retire from international soccer following Argentina's friendly against Benin on Oct. 6 at River Plate’s stadium in Buenos Aires. Due to FIFA punishments regarding fan and player behavior during the World Cup, Argentina’s first two matches of this break in Cordoba against Bolivia and Burkina Faso will be played at half stadium capacity. Playmaker Nico Paz, who was part of the World Cup squad, is expected to receive opportunities in the No. 10 role during these fixtures.

Mauricio Pochettino begins his tenure with the United States men’s national team by calling up 28 players for friendlies, including 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan. The roster features 13 potential debutants and eight teenagers, while veterans Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Folarin Balogun have been rested. Mexico, under new manager Rafael Marquez, faces the U.S. on Oct. 3 with a squad featuring 11 players aged 23 and younger, including teenage star Gilberto Mora.

In Europe, Jurgen Klopp debuts as Germany manager on Thursday against the Netherlands, who are now led by Xavi. Klopp has named an extended 44-man squad for this international window. Zinedine Zidane also begins his term as France manager, selecting five uncapped players for a 23-man roster that excludes N'Golo Kanté. Spain enters the UEFA Nations League as reigning World Cup champions, having defeated Argentina 2-1 in the final this past summer.

Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualification also commences this week. Herve Renard returns to Ivory Coast for an opening match against Ghana in Bouake, while Patrick Vieira takes charge of Senegal. Nigeria hosts Madagascar without the injured Victor Osimhen, and Cameroon faces Comoros following their failure to qualify for the recent World Cup.