Lionel Messi’s revenge, Brazil in Uruguay: Who said the international break was dull?

Hey you, yes, you. The one planning to watch all of James Milner’s Premier League goals on the internet this weekend. Yes, we know, it’s an unbelievable record, but don’t lose all faith just because the best, no, most exciting league in the world is having a week off.

There’s actually a cracking set of international matches to look forward to. Promise.

Argentina’s loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final prompted the great Lionel Messi to retire – for almost two months.

A public outcry caused Messi to reverse his decision, and the Barcelona forward duly scored Argentina’s only goal in a 1-0 win over Uruguay upon his return in their World Cup Qualifier in September.

The heartbreak of a missed penalty in the shootout against Chile, in what was their third consecutive defeat in a major final, appeared to be all too much for Messi – but now it’s time for revenge.

Argentina host Chile in Buenos Aires on Thursday night (kick-off 11.30pm GMT) with both sides looking to improve their position in South America’s World Cup qualifying table.

The top four are guaranteed a spot in Russia, while fifth will go to an inter-confederation play-off – and as it stands Chile are fourth, one place above Argentina.

Let’s stick with South America, because another tantalising match-up will get underway on Thursday night (KO 11pm GMT) when Brazil travel to Uruguay.

Liverpool duo Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino look set to start for Brazil alongside Neymar, while Uruguay have Edinson Cavani at their disposal. Sadly a suspension to Luis Suarez means there will be no burger bets with Neymar this time around, but there's plenty of world-class talent on show.

These two head up the qualifying table, with Brazil first, four points clear of Uruguay who themselves have a three-point advantage over third-placed Ecuador.

The depth of France’s quality is highlighted when listing those who did NOT make the squad.

Following a World Cup Qualifier against Luxembourg, those who actually made the squad will test their mettle against Spain on Tuesday night (KO 8pm) in a friendly.

It will be a chance to see 18-year-old Kylian Mbappe strut his stuff on the international stage following a stunning campaign with Monaco in Ligue 1.

All that and no mention of Spain, who will look to navigate past Israel in a qualifier before heading to Paris.

David De Gea, David Silva, Diego Costa, Ander Herrera, Cesar Azpilicueta, Pedro and Nacho Monreal will all be flying the Premier League flag* when they represent Spain, while Gerard Deulofeu earned a recall following his loan spell at AC Milan from Everton.

It promises to be a tasty affair. If a game was indeed edible.

*No such flag sadly exists

A question we can never quite answer at Eurosport. Their last six results reads as WDLWDL, meaning even they are not so sure.

Nevertheless, seven points from four games puts them second behind France in Group A, and victory over Bulgaria will boost their chances of reaching Russia next summer.

But we’re more concerned by their friendly against Italy on Tuesday - Memphis Depay is back among on the goals and he will likely feature for the Dutch when they take on the four-time World Cup winners.

And with three goals in five international appearances, it will be worth watching for Andrea Belotti alone – the Italian is tearing it up for Torino (22 goals in 26 Serie A games) and could cause a weak Netherlands defence more than a few problems.