{
  "id": 12444588,
  "title": "Neymar hails Messi ahead of Argentina farewell",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/neymar-hails-messi-ahead-of-argentina-farewell-12444588",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T19:00:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/neymar-hails-messi-ahead-of-argentina-farewell/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Brazilian playmaker Neymar Jr. has showered praise on World Cup winner Lionel Messi in the run-up to Messi’s farewell match for Argentina against the Republic of Benin at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental. Messi, who holds the record for most appearances in Argentine history, will retire from international football just two-and-a-half months after Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final. On Tuesday, Messi will wear Argentina’s sky-blue-and-white jersey for the last time in a deeply emotional farewell match in front of his devoted supporters. Neymar, who played alongside Messi at FC Barcelona where they secured multiple club titles, paid tribute to the former Barcelona captain. According to Fabrizio Romano on X, Neymar expressed his admiration for Messi, stating that his fans have enjoyed him throughout the years. Neymar highlighted that the match marks Messi’s final appearance as a member of the national team, offering his heartfelt thanks. The match is expected to draw around 85,000 Argentine fans, marking the end of Messi's 21-year international career.",
  "summary": "Brazilian star Neymar Jr has paid an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi ahead of the World Cup winner’s final farewell match for Argentina in Buenos Aires. Read More: https://punchng.com/neymar-hails-messi-ahead-of-argentina-farewell/",
  "key_points": [
    "Neymar praises Messi ahead of Argentina's farewell match.",
    "Messi retires after 21-year international career.",
    "85,000 Argentine fans expected at Estadio Monumental."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Times",
        "title": "Messi’s last Argentina game: Where and when to watch",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/messis-last-argentina-game-where-and-when-to-watch",
        "published": "2026-10-06T13:50:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Lionel Messi farewell match: When, where and how to watch Argentina vs Benin?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/lionel-messi-farewell-match-when-where-and-how-to-watch-argentina-vs",
        "published": "2026-10-06T14:24:30.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Neymar hails Messi ahead of Argentina farewell",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/neymar-hails-messi-ahead-of-argentina-farewell",
        "published": "2026-10-06T19:00:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}