Messi to play final Argentina match Oct. 6 in Buenos Aires

Lionel Messi will pull on the Argentina shirt for the final time on Oct. 6 in a friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires, bringing the curtain down on one of the most decorated international careers in soccer history. The farewell match, to be held at River Plate's stadium — the largest in South America — caps an emotional period that began when Messi announced his retirement from the national team in late August.mymotherlode+1

The 39-year-old was in tears after Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium this summer, a defeat that ended his dream of winning consecutive tournaments. Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia called the Buenos Aires match "the farewell he deserves".ksat+1

A New Generation Takes Center Stage

With Messi stepping aside, the upcoming international window sharpens the focus on the players vying to succeed him as the world's best. Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane are among the leading contenders for the Ballon d'Or, which will be based on performances through the World Cup.mymotherlode+1

Yamal, still just 19, won the World Cup with Spain and the Spanish league title with Barcelona. "The advantage I have is that I managed to win the World Cup this year, and naturally, that gives me an edge," he told L'Equipe. Mbappé, meanwhile, set a new record as the highest scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals, while Kane earned the European golden shoe last season and has six goals in seven appearances this term.ksat+1

England will face world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday in the Nations League, while France plays for the first time under new head coach Zinedine Zidane, with a marquee Nations League match against Italy on Oct. 2.espn+1

Ronaldo's Pursuit and a Wave of Superstar Coaches

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, continues his pursuit of 1,000 career goals after reaching 979 earlier this month. He was included in Portugal's squad by new coach Jorge Jesus for upcoming Nations League fixtures.mymotherlode+1

The star power extends to the sidelines. Zidane has taken over France, Jurgen Klopp is now in charge of Germany after another early World Cup exit, and Xavi leads the Netherlands — joining Thomas Tuchel with England and Carlo Ancelotti with Brazil in a wave of elite coaches moving into international management. Argentina, too, faces a pivotal moment beyond the farewell, with ESPN reporting that Como playmaker Nico Paz could be handed the No. 10 role as the team begins life after Messi.espn