Following his retirement, the question recently arose as to who would take over the captaincy and Lionel Messi’s No. 10 shirt in the Argentina national team. While the captaincy issue has now been settled, a favourite to inherit the squad number is also emerging.
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Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez took time out during international duty to return to his former side Racing Club ahead of their derby clash. The striker, who was warmly greeted by club president Diego Milito, subsequently spoke about the national team's looming transitional phase as Lionel Messi approaches his final farewell match against Benin.
Diego Forlan endured a painful start to his tenure as Uruguay head coach after two stoppage-time strikes condemned his side to a 3-1 defeat against Japan in Miyagi. The former striker, who was appointed to succeed Marcelo Bielsa, watched his team battle back to parity before defensive lapses in the dying seconds gifted the hosts victory.
Barcelona forward Raphinha has been assigned Brazil's iconic number 10 shirt for upcoming exhibition fixtures in Oceania and Asia. The Confederation of Brazilian Football confirmed their updated roster allocation following the World Cup cycle, signalling a significant shift in attacking responsibility as senior figures make way for a revitalised setup.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti sent a direct message to Chelsea regarding starlet Estevao ahead of their international friendly against Australia down under. The Italian manager insisted he will select the teenager regardless of his playing time at Stamford Bridge before cheekily leaking his entire starting line-up.
The Socceroos have reassembled for the first time since their World Cup exit, preparing for blockbuster friendlies against Brazil. Senior leader Jackson Irvine demanded continuous progress, while Sporting CP starlet Nestory Irankunda backed Australia's new generation of talent to dominate.
Diego Forlan will make his official debut as interim head coach of Uruguay in a friendly against Japan at Miyagi's Q&A Stadium. The iconic forward expressed deep gratitude for returning to the country where he previously represented Cerezo Osaka.
PSV Eindhoven captain Mauro Junior celebrated his first senior Brazil call-up under Carlo Ancelotti for the upcoming FIFA Super Date. Having previously admitted a preference for Dutch nationality to represent Oranje, the converted full-back expressed total commitment to the Selecao.
Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has admitted he is still processing the emotional trauma of his pivotal penalty miss during Brazil's disappointing World Cup exit. Speaking from the Selecao’s training camp in Australia, the 28-year-old emphasized the need for stability and fan support as the five-time world champions begin a fresh cycle under Carlo Ancelotti.
Lisandro Martinez has arrived in Buenos Aires determined to celebrate Lionel Messi's international farewell despite the lingering heartbreak of Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain. The Manchester United defender urged his team-mates to look forward and embrace the home tribute at Estadio Monumental following a gruelling tournament campaign.
Lionel Scaloni has officially been presented with a lucrative contract extension to remain at the helm of the Argentina national team, following months of uncertainty regarding his future. The proposal represents a significant commitment from the AFA to the man who ended the nation's long wait for international glory.
Nottingham Forest defender Jair Cunha celebrated his first senior Brazil call-up ahead of upcoming friendlies against Australia and India. The 21-year-old center-back aims to bring his South American Under-20 championship-winning pedigree to Carlo Ancelotti's senior setup.
Chelsea winger Estevao expressed immense gratitude after returning to the Brazil national team for their upcoming friendlies against Australia and India. The teenager opened up about overcoming severe injury heartbreak that ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi will pull on the famous blue-and-white stripes one last time as Argentina host Benin in an emotional farewell match at the Monumental. The 39-year-old forward has confirmed a special jersey will be worn for his international swansong, officially closing a historic, trophy-laden chapter.
Diego Forlan has embarked on his first international assignment as Uruguay interim head coach without key midfielder Federico Valverde. The Real Madrid star was ruled out of the Asian tour due to a severe ankle injury, prompting Forlan to draft in Palmeiras midfielder Emiliano Martinez.
Franco Mastantuono has admitted that the upcoming international break will be an emotional period for the Argentina national team as they prepare to say goodbye to Lionel Messi. The 19-year-old talent, who is currently rediscovering his best form in Serie A, described the legendary number 10 as a national hero whose absence will be deeply felt by the entire country.
Chelsea winger Estevao has spoken out regarding his lack of regular playing time under head coach Xabi Alonso following his return to international duty with Brazil. The teenager has found starting opportunities difficult to come by at Stamford Bridge this season, but he insists his primary objective is to remain patient and prove his worth.
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has offered Sardar Azmoun an international reprieve by naming the prolific frontman in his 26-man squad for upcoming friendly fixtures against Uzbekistan and Russia. The Dubai-based forward returns to Team Melli four months after being controversially omitted from the World Cup following friction with national authorities.
"Every game is critical," says Pochettino as USMNT kick off four fall friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada, with a young, refreshed roster and a teenage sensation closing in on his senior debut.
Lionel Messi has shared an emotional message ahead of his final match for Argentina, as the national team prepare to host Benin for his official farewell. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will take to the pitch for his country one last time in October wearing a special kit, giving fans a final opportunity to celebrate his historic international career and World Cup triumph.
