{
  "id": 12523873,
  "title": "Messi's emotional farewell ends in 1 goal, 2 assists and 3-0 win for Argentina",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/messis-emotional-farewell-ends-in-1-goal-2-assists-and-3-0-win-for",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T02:18:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/lionel-messis-emotional-farewell-ends-in-one-goal-two-assists-and-a-3-0-win-for-argentina-over-benin/articleshow/134753760.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi's emotional farewell for Argentina saw the South American team secure a 3-0 victory over Benin on Wednesday. The night was filled with tributes and emotion as Messi bid farewell to the shirt he made his own. The stadium was packed long before kickoff, and his children stood with him, visibly moved. The match began with Argentina dominating possession and repeatedly seeking out their captain in dangerous areas. Messi came close with a free-kick, but Benin's goalkeeper made a crucial save. Lautaro Martínez threatened with a run into the area, and another Messi pass nearly set him up. As the half-time break approached, Benin switched to a back five formation, intensifying the contest and drawing closer attention to Messi near the penalty area. The first goal arrived shortly after the break, courtesy of a perfectly delivered set-piece by Messi, with Nicolás Otamendi scoring the decisive volley. Messi's second goal came through a beautiful left-footed curling finish from substitute Nico Paz. The Argentinian captain then provided the assist for Paz's goal, and Messi himself scored the decisive third goal from the penalty spot. Despite a late effort and another strike hitting the post, Messi's final free-kick sailed over the crossbar. The whistle signaled Argentina's 3-0 triumph, with Messi acknowledging that the scoreline was secondary to the emotional night.",
  "summary": "Lionel Messi’s emotional Argentina farewell ended in a 3-0 victory over Benin at the Monumental. After an extraordinary pre-match tribute, Messi assisted Nicolás Otamendi’s opener and Nico Paz’s curling finish before scoring a penalty himself. He came close again late on, hitting the post, before sending a final free-kick over the bar as Argentina celebrated a memorable night.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 8,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "Fans flood Buenos Aires ahead of Messi’s final international match",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/fans-flood-buenos-aires-ahead-of-messis-final-international-match",
        "published": "2026-10-06T22:07:44.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Teammates and fans bid emotional farewell to Messi ahead of Argentina finale",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/teammates-and-fans-bid-emotional-farewell-to-messi-ahead-of-argentina",
        "published": "2026-10-06T22:41:52.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Teammates and fans bid emotional farewell to Messi ahead of Argentina finale",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/teammates-and-fans-bid-emotional-farewell-to-messi-ahead-of-argentina-12497252",
        "published": "2026-10-06T23:19:20.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Press Journal",
        "title": "Lionel Messi Fights Back Tears During Argentina's National Anthem In Emotional Farewell Match | Video",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/lionel-messi-fights-back-tears-during-argentinas-national-anthem-in",
        "published": "2026-10-07T00:12:32.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Messi shines in Argentina farewell, ends 21-year career with goal and assist",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/messi-shines-in-argentina-farewell-ends-21-year-career-with-goal-and",
        "published": "2026-10-07T01:27:56.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "DW News",
        "title": "Football: Lionel Messi plays final game for Argentina",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/football-lionel-messi-plays-final-game-for-argentina",
        "published": "2026-10-07T02:35:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Messi signs off in tears after one last Argentina master class",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/messi-signs-off-in-tears-after-one-last-argentina-master-class-12535506",
        "published": "2026-10-07T02:39:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}