🚨 Nations League Round-Up: Spain Qualify for Quarter-Finals as Kane Shines and Messi Bids Emotional Argentina Farewell 🇦🇷
SevensSportsArena
4 comments
The latest Nations League action delivered another night of major storylines as Spain booked their place in the quarter-finals, England continued their strong run with Harry Kane starring, while Scotland suffered a surprise defeat to Slovenia.
Switzerland maintained their perfect record, Slovakia produced the biggest win of the night by beating Moldova 4-0, and several League C groups also produced important results.
Away from the Nations League, Lionel Messi brought his extraordinary Argentina career to an emotional conclusion, scoring and assisting twice as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental.
Croatia 1-2 Spain: Merino Sends Spain Through
Spain became the second team to secure qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals after coming from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1.
Ivan Perišić gave Croatia the lead in the 17th minute, but Spain responded after the break.
Mikel Merino equalised in the 61st minute before completing the comeback with an 89th-minute winner.
Croatia were reduced to 10 men after Perišić was sent off, allowing Spain to take advantage late on.
The result extended Spain's unbeaten run to 42 matches and moved them onto 12 points at the top of Group A3.
Player Ratings
Mikel Merino — 9.5/10: Scored both goals and completely changed the match.
Ivan Perišić — 7.5/10: Scored Croatia's opener but his red card changed the contest.
Lamine Yamal — 8/10: Provided Spain with a constant attacking threat.
England 3-0 Czechia: Kane Stars on Record-Equalling Night
Harry Kane produced another outstanding international performance as England defeated Czechia 3-0 at Wembley.
Kane played a part in all three goals.
His cross was turned into his own net by Vladimír Coufal for England's opener before Kane scored twice himself.
The striker's second goal completed his brace and took his England tally to 91 goals.
The match was also historic because Kane earned his 125th England cap, matching Peter Shilton's record for appearances.
Player Ratings
Harry Kane — 10/10: Two goals, an assist and a record-equalling 125th cap.
Jude Bellingham — 8.5/10: Controlled the midfield and helped England dominate.
Trent Alexander-Arnold — 8/10: Dangerous from set pieces and influential in possession.
Scotland 1-2 Slovenia: Visitors Complete Comeback
Scotland suffered a disappointing home defeat against Slovenia after throwing away an early advantage.
Ryan Christie gave Scotland the lead in the first half, but Slovenia responded after the interval.
Benjamin Šeško's side levelled through a Matko goal before Slovenia completed the turnaround to win 2-1.
The result leaves Scotland with plenty to do in their group, while Slovenia remain in contention.
Player Ratings
Ryan Christie — 8/10: Scored Scotland's goal and worked hard throughout.
Jan Oblak — 8/10: Made important saves to protect Slovenia's result.
Matko — 8/10: Scored the equaliser and helped shift the momentum.
Switzerland 3-0 North Macedonia: Perfect Record Continues
Switzerland maintained their perfect Nations League campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over North Macedonia.
The Swiss controlled the match and added another three points to remain top of Group B1 with a 100 per cent record.
The result strengthens Switzerland's position as they continue their push for progression.
Player Ratings
Switzerland midfield — 8.5/10: Controlled possession and dictated the tempo.
Switzerland attack — 8/10: Created enough chances to secure a comfortable victory.
North Macedonia attack — 6/10: Struggled to seriously threaten the Swiss defence.
Albania 2-1 San Marino: Late Drama
Albania secured another important victory by beating San Marino 2-1.
The hosts controlled much of the contest but San Marino remained competitive and threatened to make the finish uncomfortable.
Albania eventually secured the points with a late penalty, completing a result that keeps them firmly in control of their group.
Player Ratings
Albania attack — 8/10: Created enough opportunities to secure the win.
Albania midfield — 7.5/10: Controlled the majority of possession.
San Marino defence — 7/10: Kept the game competitive until late.
Belarus 1-0 Finland: Narrow Belarus Win
Belarus claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Finland.
The result was enough to give Belarus all three points and improve their position in Group C1.
Finland were unable to find an equaliser despite attempting to respond.
Player Ratings
Belarus defence — 8/10: Protected the lead and secured the clean sheet.
Belarus attack — 7.5/10: Made the decisive opportunity count.
Finland attack — 6.5/10: Failed to find a way through.
Kazakhstan 2-2 Faroe Islands: Four-Goal Thriller
Kazakhstan and the Faroe Islands produced an entertaining 2-2 draw.
The visitors twice showed their ability to stay in the contest, while Kazakhstan were unable to turn home advantage into a victory.
The result continues the Faroe Islands' run of draws in the competition.
Player Ratings
Sergei Malyy — 8/10: Scored for Kazakhstan and made a strong contribution.
Petur Knudsen — 8/10: Found the net and helped the Faroe Islands earn a point.
Jóannes Bjartalíð — 8/10: Provided an assist and created problems for Kazakhstan.
Moldova 0-4 Slovakia: Slovakia
Moldova 0-4 Slovakia: Slovakia Run Riot
Slovakia produced the biggest Nations League victory of the night with a dominant 4-0 win away to Moldova.
David Strelec opened the scoring early before Slovakia continued to take control of the contest.
The four-goal victory strengthens Slovakia's position in Group C3 and gives them a major boost heading into the remaining fixtures.
Player Ratings
David Strelec — 8.5/10: Set the tone by opening the scoring.
Slovakia attack — 9/10: Four goals and a dominant attacking display.
Moldova attack — 5.5/10: Failed to seriously threaten Slovakia.
Estonia 0-0 Iceland: Nothing to Separate Them
Estonia and Iceland played out a goalless draw.
Neither side managed to find the breakthrough, with both defences doing enough to prevent the opposition from taking all three points.
The result leaves the group finely balanced.
Player Ratings
Estonia defence — 8/10: Kept Iceland's attack quiet.
Luxembourg 0-2 Bulgaria: Bulgaria Get the Job Done
Bulgaria picked up a valuable 2-0 away victory against Luxembourg.
The result strengthens Bulgaria's position in Group C4 after another disciplined performance.
Luxembourg were unable to find a response as Bulgaria held onto their advantage.
Player Ratings
Bulgaria attack — 8/10: Took their opportunities and secured the victory.
Bulgaria defence — 8/10: Completed the clean sheet away from home.
Luxembourg attack — 6/10: Struggled to create enough danger.
Lionel Messi's Argentina Farewell: Argentina 3-0 Benin 🇦🇷💔
While the Nations League provided plenty of drama, the biggest emotional story of the night came from Buenos Aires.
Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina in front of more than 85,000 supporters at the Monumental as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0.
It was the end of a 21-year international career that produced the World Cup, two Copa América titles and countless unforgettable moments.
Messi Signs Off With a Goal and Two Assists
Argentina led after the break when Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring.
Messi then played a part in the second goal, assisting Nicolás Paz before eventually getting his own moment from the penalty spot.
The Argentina captain converted in the 71st minute to score the 126th and final international goal of his career.
He finished the night having contributed a goal and two assists as Argentina celebrated a 3-0 victory.
An Emotional Goodbye at the Monumental
The match was paused in the 10th minute for a special ovation for Messi, while the Monumental was filled with tributes to the Argentina captain.
At the final whistle, Messi became visibly emotional as supporters celebrated the end of his international journey.
His final Argentina record stands at 208 appearances and 126 goals, making him the country's most-capped player and all-time leading scorer.
Player Ratings
Lionel Messi — 10/10: One goal, two assists and a fitting final performance for Argentina.
Nicolás Paz — 8.5/10: Scored and combined effectively with Messi.
Nicolás Otamendi — 8/10: Opened the scoring and helped Argentina control the match.
Benin defence — 6/10: Kept Argentina scoreless for the first half but eventually struggled.
The End of an Extraordinary Argentina Career
Messi's final night brought an emotional conclusion to one of the greatest international careers football has ever seen.
From the criticism of his early Argentina years to Copa América glory, the 2022 World Cup triumph and his final farewell at the Monumental, Messi leaves the national team having finally achieved almost everything possible.
He scored in his final match, assisted twice and walked away with another Argentina victory.
21 years. 208 appearances. 126 goals. Major trophies. One extraordinary Argentina career.
Gracias, Leo. 🇦🇷❤️
What the Nations League Results Mean
Spain joined Portugal as the second team to secure a place in the Nations League quarter-finals after their comeback win in Croatia.
England moved closer to qualification after their dominant victory over Czechia, while Switzerland continued their perfect campaign.
Slovakia's 4-0 victory was the biggest win of the night, while Scotland's defeat to Slovenia provided one of the biggest surprises.
The league phase now moves towards its final two matchdays in November, when the remaining quarter-final places will be decided.
Comments (4)
A
Anonymous
10/8/2026 at 07:48 PM
I make over $220 an hour while working from home and looking after my two kids. I was hesitant at first, but when my friend, who earns more than $35,000 a month, encouraged me to try it, I went for it. It’s been amazing! I have more time and money than I ever thought possible. Want to see how?
Just Visit Following Website....... NetPay1.Com
A
Anonymous
10/8/2026 at 04:13 PM
I get paid over 220 Dollars per hour working from home with 2 kids at home. i never thought i’d be able to do it but my best friend earns over 25k a month doing this and she convinced me to try. it was all true and has totally changed my life. This is what I do, check it out by .
Join Now———⊃⫸ PayAtHome1.Com
E
Emma
10/8/2026 at 11:23 AM
I just got paid $22k working off my laptop this month!** And if you think that’s cool, my divorced friend has twin toddlers and made over $22620 her first month.details on this website**Want the secret?** Copy this Website and choose HOME TECH OR MEDIA……..
Here is I started_______ NetPay1.Com
E
EVA
10/7/2026 at 01:50 PM
I get paid over 220 Dollars per hour working from home with 2 kids at home. i never thought i’d be able to do it but my best friend earns over 15k a month doing this and she convinced me to try. it was all true and has totally changed my life. This is what I do, check it out by .
Join Now———⊃⫸ PayAtHome1.Com
