# USMNT’s Young Stars Shine as Cavan Sullivan Scores First International Goal
The U.S. men’s national team’s next generation made a statement with a 3-0 win over Mexico, offering an encouraging early glimpse of the squad’s future. Seventeen-year-old Cavan Sullivan scored his first international goal, while Lionel Messi is set to take the spotlight in what is expected to be his final match for Argentina.
The men’s international window concludes with the United States facing Canada and Argentina meeting Benin. Those fixtures bring together two major storylines: the USMNT’s emerging talent and a potential farewell moment for one of soccer’s greatest players.
## Cavan Sullivan Scores His First USMNT Goal
Sullivan marked his USMNT breakthrough in style against Mexico. In the 62nd minute, the young midfielder chipped goalkeeper Raúl Rangel from distance to extend the United States’ lead.
His goal was part of a strong second-half response from Mauricio Pochettino’s team. Mexico had started with intensity and made it difficult for the Americans to settle, but the USMNT stayed organized and found ways to take advantage as the match progressed.
Malik Tillman added a late goal to complete the 3-0 result. The victory reflected more than the final score: the United States weathered an uncomfortable opening period, adjusted after halftime and finished clinically.
## USMNT’s Young Players Pass an Early Test
Pochettino started eight players with World Cup experience, giving the younger members of the squad a foundation in a high-pressure rivalry match. Several newcomers also made important contributions.
Eighteen-year-old Julian Hall opened the scoring, finding space at the right moment despite seeing little of the ball early in the match. Goalkeeper Diego Kochen also made a key second-half save to keep Mexico from getting back into the contest.
Pochettino described the first half as a lesson in working and suffering together. The coach has sought to protect the new players from excessive expectations, but the result against Mexico offered a meaningful test of their composure and ability to respond to adversity.
The win does not settle every question about the USMNT, but it gives the team a promising benchmark as it builds toward the 2030 World Cup cycle. The next challenge is showing that the same progress can continue against different opponents.
## USMNT vs. Canada: What’s Next
The United States is scheduled to face Canada on Tuesday, Oct. 6, in an international friendly. The match gives Pochettino another opportunity to evaluate the team’s younger players and build on the momentum from the Mexico victory.
The result against Mexico showed that the USMNT can recover when a match does not unfold as planned. Against Canada, the focus will be on carrying that resilience into another test and continuing to develop the group’s connection on the field.
## Lionel Messi Prepares for an Argentina Farewell
Argentina is also in action on Tuesday, facing Benin in a friendly. Messi is expected to headline the match, which is being framed as his final game for the national team.
The occasion adds a historic dimension to the international schedule. Messi’s career with Argentina has shaped an era for the team, and his anticipated farewell will draw attention from soccer fans around the world.
## International Soccer Schedule
All times are U.S. Eastern.
– **Monday, Oct. 5:** Italy vs. Türkiye, 2:45 p.m.
– **Monday, Oct. 5:** Honduras vs. Jamaica, 10 p.m.
– **Tuesday, Oct. 6:** England vs. Czechia, 2:45 p.m.
– **Tuesday, Oct. 6:** Argentina vs. Benin, 7 p.m.
– **Tuesday, Oct. 6:** USMNT vs. Canada, 8 p.m.
– **Tuesday, Oct. 6:** Chicago Fire vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, 8:30 p.m.
The final fixtures of the window offer a mix of emerging talent and major milestones. For the United States, the spotlight is on sustaining the progress of its young squad. For Argentina, it is on Messi and a potentially emotional final appearance in national-team colors.