Messi Set For Argentina Farewell As Football Returns

International football is back after the World Cup, bringing with it a series of major storylines as Lionel Messi prepares to say goodbye to Argentina while Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland return to the international stage.

Messi, who announced his retirement from international football this month, is expected to make his farewell appearance for Argentina in a friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires on October 6.

The 39-year-old’s international career is coming to an end after Argentina surrendered its World Cup title with a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium.

Lionel Messi Set For Argentina Farewell

Messi was left in tears after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat, which ended his hopes of winning consecutive World Cup titles and matching Brazil great Pele’s achievement.

Given his age and the timing of his retirement announcement, his final appearance against Benin is expected to provide Messi with an opportunity to bid farewell to Argentina supporters on home soil.

Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia described it as “the farewell he deserves.”

Messi remains among the Ballon d’Or nominees despite his decision to retire from international football.

Mbappe, Yamal And Kane Chase Ballon d’Or

While Messi prepares to leave the international stage, a new generation of stars is competing for the Ballon d’Or.

France forward Kylian Mbappe, Spain sensation Lamine Yamal and England captain Harry Kane are among the leading contenders for the award, which takes performances through the World Cup into account.

Yamal has emerged as one of the biggest young stars in world football. The 19-year-old helped Spain win the World Cup and also lifted the Spanish league title with Barcelona.

With Yamal at Barcelona and Mbappe at Real Madrid, their rivalry adds another chapter to the long-running competition between the two Spanish giants.

For more than a decade, Barcelona’s Messi and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the Ballon d’Or conversation.

Mbappe missed out on a second World Cup title with France but finished the tournament as its all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.

Kane, meanwhile, won the European Golden Shoe last season and has continued his prolific form, scoring six goals in seven appearances this campaign.

England will face world champion Spain at Wembley in the Nations League on Saturday, while France will begin a new era under Zinedine Zidane against Italy on October 2.

Cristiano Ronaldo Chases 1,000 Goals

Cristiano Ronaldo remains focused on another remarkable milestone.

The Saudi Pro League credited the Portugal captain with his 979th career goal earlier this month, leaving him within touching distance of 1,000.

The 41-year-old has been included in Portugal’s squad by new coach Jorge Jesus for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Ronaldo missed out on what was likely his final opportunity to win the World Cup, but his pursuit of the 1,000-goal mark continues.

Erling Haaland is another forward producing remarkable numbers.

The Manchester City striker has started the season in devastating form, scoring seven goals in his last five games as his club maintained a 100 per cent winning record.

Haaland also became one of the most talked-about players during the World Cup through his performances and social media presence.

Zidane, Klopp Lead Coaching Revolution

The return of international football also brings several high-profile coaches into the spotlight.

Three-time Champions League-winning coach Zidane has replaced Didier Deschamps as France manager, while Liverpool icon Jurgen Klopp has taken charge of Germany following another disappointing World Cup campaign.

They join Carlo Ancelotti with Brazil and Thomas Tuchel with England among prominent club coaches who have moved into international football.

Zidane is the only coach to have won three consecutive Champions League titles and France will hope he can bring similar success to the national team.

Klopp took over Germany after the team failed to reach the World Cup knockout stage for a third successive tournament. However, he struck a combative tone during his unveiling in July, saying he would be willing to resign without severance pay if the job did not work out or criticism became overwhelming.

He also demanded privacy for his family from the media.

Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, resisted the move into international management despite reports linking him with Italy.

Instead, Roberto Mancini has returned to lead Italy, the team he guided to Euro 2020 glory.

Mancini, however, insists that past success offers no protection from current expectations.

“I’m not in credit because that’s in the past, it doesn’t count for anything,” he said.

With Messi preparing for his farewell and a new generation of stars and coaches taking centre stage, the post-World Cup international window promises another chapter in football’s evolving landscape.