{
  "id": 12339504,
  "title": "Messi joins Argentina for farewell game against Benin",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/messi-joins-argentina-for-farewell-game-against-benin",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T08:29:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/messi-joins-argentina-for-farewell-game-against-benin/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi will fulfill his final role as Argentina's captain in a friendly match against Benin, signaling the end of his illustrious international career. The 39-year-old Argentine football legend will play his last game in the Albiceleste jersey at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, drawing the support of 85,000 fans. This farewell encounter will mark a significant moment, as Messi leaves behind a legacy that includes a World Cup title, two Copa America championships, and the Finalissima. Alongside the legendary player, Argentina's emerging generation will join him, bidding him farewell. Messi, who recently announced his international retirement, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to pass the baton to the new generation of footballers. His farewell match comes two and a half months after Argentina's heartbreaking 2022 World Cup final defeat to Spain, which took a toll on the star player who had to exit the pitch in tears after a disappointing performance. Messi's international journey includes 207 appearances for Argentina, with 125 goals and a staggering 68 assists to his name. In August, he announced his international retirement, mentioning that he will leave the field to make space for the young talents who are ready to step up. Despite his contract with Inter Miami running until 2028, Messi hinted that his decision to retire might come sooner than expected due to the recent loss of his father, Jorge. As Argentina prepares to take on Benin, a crucial question remains: Who will inherit Messi's iconic number 10 shirt? Argentina's coach, Marco Asensi, stated that the decision on the new shirt bearer will only be made after Messi's farewell game.",
  "summary": "Lionel Messi will bring the curtain down on his glittering Argentina career with a farewell friendly against Benin that marks the dawn of a new era for the South American champions. After more than two decades of service to his country, the 39-year-old superstar will hand over the captain’s armband for good as he makes … The post Messi joins Argentina for farewell game against Benin appeared…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Lionel Messi set for 'Last Tango' with Argentina as Cristiano Ronaldo pouts on Portugal sidelines",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/lionel-messi-set-for-last-tango-with-argentina-as-cristiano-ronaldo",
        "published": "2026-10-06T03:44:14.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Lionel Messi's family tree: Who are Argentina star's wife, kids and parents as soccer legend says farewell",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/lionel-messis-family-tree-who-are-argentina-stars-wife-kids-and",
        "published": "2026-10-06T05:50:02.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "End of an era as Messi prepares to hang up Argentina boots",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/end-of-an-era-as-messi-prepares-to-hang-up-argentina-boots-12331734",
        "published": "2026-10-06T08:04:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "End of an era as Messi prepares to hang up Argentina boots",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/end-of-an-era-as-messi-prepares-to-hang-up-argentina-boots-12334292",
        "published": "2026-10-06T08:05:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}