{
  "id": 12517607,
  "title": "[UPDATED] Emotion, tears as Messi retires from Argentina national team",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/updated-emotion-tears-as-messi-retires-from-argentina-national-team",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T01:45:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2026/10/1549455/updated-emotion-tears-messi-retires-argentina-national-team"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi concluded his 21-year international career on Tuesday, bidding adieu to adoring Argentine fans in an emotional farewell match at the Monumental Stadium. Playing his 208th international, the 39-year-old, widely considered the greatest footballer of all time, netted his 126th goal, assisted the opening goal by veteran Nicolas Otamendi, and also scored in the 71st minute. The match, billed as \"The Last Tango,\" concluded with a 3-0 victory over Benin. Prior to the game, Messi expressed tears as he and his teammates passed through a sea of well-wishers en route to the stadium. Messi, accompanied by his three children and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo, wept upon taking the field. The pitch bore a giant Argentine jersey proclaiming \"Gracias\" (Thank You) above his No.10, and a banner reading \"The Malvinas are Argentine,\" reminiscent of the same banner raised after Argentina's 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over England. A drone show illuminated the night sky above the stadium post-match, showcasing Messi's likeness and thanking him for his illustrious career. Messi's final words came in his farewell letter, stating, \"I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance.\"",
  "summary": "BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his 21-year international career on Tuesday, bidding farewell to adoring Argentina fans in an emotional final appearance for the former world champions in Buenos Aires.",
  "key_points": [
    "Messi ends 21-year international career at 39",
    "Scores 126th goal, assists opening goal",
    "3-0 victory over Benin, farewell letter shared"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Lionel Messi's retirement marks a passing of the torch to younger Argentine players, ending an era in which he embodied the nation's footballing identity and inspired devotion from fans.",
  "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."
}