{
  "id": 12444237,
  "title": "‘I leave in peace’, says Messi as uncertainty trails Ronaldo’s return to Portugal team",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/i-leave-in-peace-says-messi-as-uncertainty-trails-ronaldos-return-to",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T17:25:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Trust",
    "slug": "daily-trust",
    "url": "https://dailytrust.com/i-leave-in-peace-says-messi-as-uncertainty-trails-ronaldos-return-to-portugal-team/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi has announced his decision to retire from international football with Argentina, stating he is leaving the team \"in peace.\" The 39-year-old, who is Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 appearances, will make his final appearance for the country against Benin Republic in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. Messi expressed his gratitude to the supporters who have backed him throughout his international career, saying, \"Thank you for loving me so much, thank you for your support. I will always carry you with me.\" His international career, which began in 2005, culminated in Argentina winning the Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Messi's farewell match is expected to be a special occasion, with a commemorative kit for Argentina and the iconic No. 10 shirt he wore throughout his career. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo's future with Portugal remains uncertain as he continues to be an active member of the national team, with no definitive announcement of his retirement.",
  "summary": "Lionel Messi has said he is leaving the Argentina national team “in peace” as he prepares to make his final appearance for the country against Benin Republic at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. “The moment has arrived. I leave in peace, I gave it my all,” Messi said, according to football journalist […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 8,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "BREAKING: Ronaldo releases statement on rift with Jesus, reveals why he left Portugal camp",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/breaking-ronaldo-releases-statement-on-rift-with-jesus-reveals-why-he",
        "published": "2026-10-06T19:23:11.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Ronaldo accuses coach Jesus of broken promises but leaves Portugal return open",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/ronaldo-accuses-coach-jesus-of-broken-promises-but-leaves-portugal",
        "published": "2026-10-06T19:27:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "El Pais",
        "title": "Cristiano Ronaldo acusa a Jorge Jesus de mentir e incumplir su palabra",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/cristiano-ronaldo-acusa-a-jorge-jesus-de-mentir-e-incumplir-su-palabra",
        "published": "2026-10-06T19:31:17.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Cristiano Ronaldo says he is still available for Portugal after walking out on squad",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/cristiano-ronaldo-says-he-is-still-available-for-portugal-after",
        "published": "2026-10-06T19:51:29.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "Ronaldo apologizes for Portugal walkout; says Jesus broke promise",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/ronaldo-apologizes-for-portugal-walkout-says-jesus-broke-promise",
        "published": "2026-10-06T19:56:14.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "3News",
        "title": "Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence on Portugal walkout, vows to remain available for national team",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/cristiano-ronaldo-breaks-silence-on-portugal-walkout-vows-to-remain",
        "published": "2026-10-06T20:08:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Cristiano Ronaldo is not retiring, breaks silence on why he left Portugal camp",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/cristiano-ronaldo-is-not-retiring-breaks-silence-on-why-he-left",
        "published": "2026-10-06T20:15:48.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}