{
  "id": 12184607,
  "title": "Messi readies for final farewell in Argentina send-off against Benin",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/messi-readies-for-final-farewell-in-argentina-send-off-against-benin",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-05T16:13:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Buenos Aires Times",
    "slug": "buenos-aires-times",
    "url": "https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/sports/messi-readies-for-final-farewell-in-argentina-send-off-against-benin.phtml"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi will bid farewell to his Argentina career in a friendly match against Benin on Tuesday, marking a new chapter for the South American champions. The 39-year-old star will make his final appearance for the Albiceleste at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, wearing the captain's armband for the last time. Messi will be joined by 85,000 spectators and fellow teammates who helped Argentina secure the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar, alongside younger players. This friendly marks the symbolic passing of the torch for Messi, who holds various records including the most appearances and goals for Argentina. Messi announced his international retirement in August, expressing his gratitude for the young talents who will take over the mantle. Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, praised the new generation's performance in recent matches, including a 4-0 win against Bolivia and a 7-0 victory against Burkina Faso. The captaincy will be challenged by Romero, Mac Allister, Fernández, and the duo of Alvarez and Martínez, with the number 10 jersey yet to be decided.",
  "summary": "Argentina's skipper will bring the curtain down on his glittering Argentina career on Tuesday with a farewell friendly against Benin. Leer más",
  "key_points": [
    "Messi to make final appearance for Argentina against Benin",
    "Friendly match at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires",
    "85,000 spectators expected for Messi's farewell"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}