{
  "id": 12043038,
  "title": "Messi readies for final farewell in Argentina send-off",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/messi-readies-for-final-farewell-in-argentina-send-off",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-05T00:50:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/10/1547780/messi-readies-final-farewell-argentina-send"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi prepares for his final appearance with Argentina, marking the end of his illustrious international career. The 39-year-old superstar will play in a farewell friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Messi joins 85,000 spectators, alongside members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad and the next generation of Argentine football. As the country's record appearance-maker and leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 games, Messi bows out after a two-and-a-half-month wait, following Argentina's disappointing World Cup final loss to Spain. The young players, who have shone in recent games against Bolivia and Burkina Faso, will lead Argentina in his absence. The team's new captain, Cristian Romero, is set to inherit the captain's armband, previously worn by Messi. The jersey number 10 will remain a mystery until Messi's final game.",
  "summary": "sBUENOS AIRES, (Argentina):",
  "key_points": [
    "Lionel Messi prepares for final Argentina appearance.",
    "39-year-old superstar to play against Benin.",
    "Messi to bow out after two-and-a-half months."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Messi readies for final farewell in Argentina send-off",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/messi-readies-for-final-farewell-in-argentina-send-off-12049932",
        "published": "2026-10-05T00:39:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}