The international window’s big fixtures: Messi farewell, India-Brazil and more

The three-week international window kicks off tonight, with a packed schedule in store for football fans in Bangladesh. And among the many big-name fixtures, few will command more attention than those involving South American giants Brazil and Argentina.

Brazil begin with back-to-back meetings with Australia before heading to Kolkata to face India on October 3 --a fixture certain to stir plenty of excitement across the region.

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But the emotional centrepiece of the window will be in Buenos Aires, where Argentina will bid farewell to Lionel Messi. After announcing his retirement from international football, Messi has been called up for one final appearance in an Albiceleste shirt, a ceremonial send-off against Benin at the Estadio Monumental.

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For millions of Bangladeshi fans who have followed every twist and turn of his 21-year international career, it will be a chance to say goodbye to a player who has defined a generation. When the legendary captain walks out for his final bow, the football world will be watching.

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Brazil
Vs Australia, September 25, 4:00 PM, Townsville 
Vs Australia, September 29, 4:00 PM, Brisbane
Vs India, October 3, 4:00 PM, Kolkata

Argentina
Vs Bolivia, October 1, 2:00 AM, Cordoba
Vs Burkina Faso, October 4, 2:00 AM, Buenos Aires
Vs Benin, October 7, 2:00 AM, Buenos Aires

Spain
Vs England, September 27, 12:45 AM, London
Vs Croatia, September 30, 12:45 AM, Sevilla
Vs Czechia, October 4, 12:45 AM, Oviedo
Vs Croatia, October 7, 12:45 AM, Split

France 
Vs Turkiye, September 26, 12:45 AM, Kocaeli
Vs Belgium, September 29, 12:45 AM, Brussel 
Vs Italy, October 3, 12:45 AM, Saint-Denis
Vs Belgium, October 6, 12:45 AM, Saint Denis

Portugal 
Vs Wales, September 25, 12:45 AM, Lisboa
Vs Norway, September 28, 12:45 AM, Oslo
Vs Denmark, October 2, 12:45 AM, Kobenhavn
Vs Norway, October 5, 12:45 AM, Porto

England 
Vs Spain, September 27, 12:45 AM, London
Vs Czechia, September 30, 12:45 AM, Praha
Vs Croatia, October 3, 12:45 AM, Rijeka
Vs Czechia, October 7, 1:45 AM, London

**All kick-off times are in Bangladesh time.