Messi’s farewell, new bosses, & Ronaldo: What to watch in this international window
By Luke Oluoch, September 23, 2026The two-week international friendlies window will dominate global football action over the coming weeks, running until Tuesday, October 6, 2026, before domestic leagues—including the EPL—resume.
The farewell match for Lionel Messi stands out as the headline event of the international break, as the Argentine maestro bids a final goodbye to international football.
The MLS star’s emotional send-off match will be against Benin on October 6, 2026, at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Messi, who debuted over two decades ago for La Albiceleste, recently announced his international retirement following the heartbreak of the 2026 World Cup and days after the passing of his father, Jorge Messi.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to feature in Portugal’s upcoming fixtures. At 41 years old, the former Manchester United star was named by coach Jorge Jesus for the friendlies.
The Al Nassr star has joined up with the national squad in training, putting to rest rumours that he considered stepping away from international football earlier this year.
New era in the dugouts: Klopp vs. Xavi
Beyond player milestones, the international window also kicks off a fascinating new era for some of football’s biggest national teams, headlined by blockbuster managerial debuts.
One of the most intriguing UEFA Nations League encounters takes place on Thursday, pitting Germany against De Oranje (the Netherlands). The ultimate highlight will be on the touchline, where Jürgen Klopp and Xavi Hernández will both make their high-profile national team managerial debuts.
Klopp was all smiles during his first training session on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, marking his return to the dugout two years after leaving Liverpool.
The heavyweight UEFA Nations League clash at the Johan Cruyff Arena will see familiar faces reunite, as former Liverpool players Virgil van Dijk, Jeremie Frimpong, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch line up against their old club boss’s new German side.
Elsewhere, France will also embark on a new chapter under Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over the national team reins from long-serving manager Didier Deschamps.