Upcoming International Soccer Matches: Messi's Farewell, Nations League, and New Coaches

The UEFA Nations League kicks off on Thursday, and qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations begins as several teams welcome new coaches. Argentina's Lionel Messi, who announced his retirement following the World Cup, is set to play his final match for the national team against Benin on October 6 in Buenos Aires. This farewell match was arranged after overcoming challenges related to FIFA sanctions affecting attendance at Argentina's initial matches this window.

In the World Cup, Messi concluded with eight goals, although he did not score in Argentina's last three games, including a loss to Spain in the final. The team's upcoming matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso will mark its first games without him, raising questions about who will assume the No. 10 role.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, at age 41, remains part of the Portuguese squad under new coach Jorge Jesus. Portugal's opening match is against Wales, continuing following a disappointing World Cup performance where they exited in the Round of 16 at the hands of eventual champions Spain.

Spain, victorious in the World Cup, prepares to face England at Wembley on Saturday, a rematch of the Euro 2024 final. The Spanish squad features key players such as Rodri and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, following their triumph over France in the semifinals and Argentina in the final.

England, which finished third in the World Cup, will introduce new faces including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer. The Three Lions will play against Czechia and Croatia following their match with Spain.

France, under new coach Zinédine Zidane, will play Türkiye on Friday. This marks Zidane's debut, after taking over from Didier Deschamps. Kylian Mbappé, who won the Golden Boot at the World Cup, remains captain despite flu-like symptoms affecting his training.

Norway, now competing in the top division of the Nations League for the first time, will rely on Erling Haaland, who led them to a quarterfinal finish in the World Cup. Norway will face Denmark and Portugal in upcoming matches.

Germany also features a coaching change, with Jürgen Klopp debuting against the Netherlands. Klopp's extended roster will be split into two groups for an intensive schedule of matches. He aims to lead Germany toward a fifth World Cup title.

In the Americas, Mexico's Rafael Márquez will debut as coach against Colombia. The national team, along with the U.S., aims to develop younger talent, with several under-23 players included in their rosters. Mauricio Pochettino's U.S. team will feature rising stars like 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan, joining a squad that includes numerous teenagers as they prepare for their match against Mexico on October 3.

Both teams will leverage this break to build towards future competitions including the 2028 Olympics, and the pathway to the 2030 World Cup.