{
  "id": 12528452,
  "title": "Lionel Messi's retirement statement in English: Here's what soccer legend said about end to Argentina career",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/lionel-messis-retirement-statement-in-english-heres-what-soccer",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T02:46:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lionel-messis-retirement-statement-english-024615658.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi bid farewell to his international soccer career with Argentina on Tuesday night, netting a penalty and providing two assists as his team defeated Benin 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental. The 39-year-old Argentine legend addressed his devoted supporters both in the stadium and across the nation after the match. Speaking to the enthusiastic crowd, Messi expressed his profound gratitude for the opportunity to wear the No. 10 jersey for his country for over two decades. He emphasized his pride in representing Argentina and shared that the worst moments never deterred him, as he always gave his best and remained committed to the team. Messi fondly recalled some of his greatest achievements with the national team, including winning Copa America and reaching the World Cup final in 2022. He credited his teammates for helping him fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a world champion and lifting the Copa America trophy. The football icon acknowledged the immense support he received from fans throughout his international career and thanked them for being a constant source of motivation. Messi declared his retirement as the most difficult day of his career, but vowed to remain a passionate supporter of the Argentine national team. He urged fans to adjust their expectations as the team prepares for a new generation of players and emphasized the importance of staying united through any challenges that may arise. Messi urged supporters not to allow detractors to gain satisfaction from Argentina's struggles, and expressed his love and pride in fulfilling a lifelong dream alongside his fellow teammates.",
  "summary": "Messi addressed Argentina fans after he concluded his international career on Tuesday. It was a captivating sight.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}