OM: How did our internationals perform last night?

Messi bows out, Marseille players remain spectators

El Monumental in Buenos Aires witnessed a historic moment: Lionel Messi’s farewell to the Argentine public. At 38, the Albiceleste icon scored a brace against Venezuela (3-0) in a surreal atmosphere, before confirming it was his final home match. In this grand setting, two Olympiens were present but stuck on the bench: Leonardo Balerdi, kept out by Romero and Otamendi, and Geronimo Rulli, Emiliano Martinez’s backup. A historic night for Argentina, a frustrating one for our players.

Murillo solid, Marseille’s youngsters shine for France U20s

Amir Murillo started for Panama against Suriname. Solid defensively, the right-back couldn’t prevent a goalless draw (0-0).

In France, the spark came from the youngsters: Darryl Bakola and Keyliane Abdallah, starters with the France U20 side, helped seal a 2-0 win over Spain at Clairefontaine. An encouraging victory in the build-up to the U20 World Cup in Chile. Robinio Vaz, also called up, remained on the bench. The three young Olympiens will be back in action as soon as Sunday to follow it up.

Aubameyang rested, Gouiri scores for Algeria

On the African front, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was rested by Gabon against Seychelles (4-0), his knee still fragile after the clash with Lyon. In Algeria, Amine Gouiri enhanced his standing: a starter, he played an active part in the 3-1 win over Botswana in Tizi-Ouzou. A night that confirms his growing status with the Fennecs and should help him regain confidence before his return to the Vélodrome.

The Olympiens’ full schedule

Wednesday, September 3

• Aubameyang (0’) – Seychelles 0-4 Gabon – Victoria

Thursday, September 4

• France U20 2-0 Spain: Bakola (starter), Abdallah (starter), Vaz (bench) – Clairefontaine
• Suriname 0-0 Panama: Murillo (90’) – Paramaribo
• Algeria 3-1 Botswana: Gouiri (67’) – Tizi-Ouzou

Friday, September 5

• Venezuela 0-3 Argentina: Balerdi (0’), Rulli (0’) – Caracas
• France – Ukraine: Pavard – Wroclaw
• Morocco – Niger: Aguerd – Rabat
• Denmark – Scotland: Højbjerg, O’Riley – Copenhagen

Saturday, September 6

• USA – South Korea: Weah – New Jersey

Sunday, September 7

• Spain U20 – France U20: Bakola, Abdallah, Vaz – Clairefontaine

Monday, September 8

• Algeria – Guinea: Gouiri – Casablanca
• Zambia – Morocco: Aguerd – Ndola
• Greece – Denmark: Højbjerg, O’Riley – Athens

Tuesday, September 9

• Gabon – Ivory Coast: Aubameyang – Libreville
• Panama – Guatemala: Murillo – Panama City
• France – Iceland: Pavard – Paris

Wednesday, September 10

• Ecuador – Argentina: Balerdi, Rulli – Quito
• USA – Japan: Weah – Columbus, Ohio

Friday, September 12

• OM – Lorient: back at the Vélodrome for Matchday 4 of Ligue 1