{
  "id": 12528751,
  "title": "Onazi, Okocha, Neymar lead tributes to Messi after Argentina retirement",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/onazi-okocha-neymar-lead-tributes-to-messi-after-argentina-retirement",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T03:04:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/onazi-okocha-neymar-lead-tributes-to-messi-after-argentina-retirement/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi concluded his 21-year international football career in a farewell match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night. The 39-year-old announced his retirement following Argentina's 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, expressed that he had given everything to his country. Former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha lauded Messi's exceptional talent, calling him \"on another planet; he's art. He was born to play football.\" Nollywood actress Uche Jombo reflected on the impact Messi had on a generation of football fans, stating, \"I honestly don't know how to say goodbye to you, Leo! For so many of us, you helped make us fall in love with football.\" FIFA also paid tribute to Messi, acknowledging his contributions to the sport.",
  "summary": "Nigerian football stars Ogenyi Onazi and Austin Okocha lead tributes to Lionel Messi following his retirement from international football with Argentina. Read More: https://punchng.com/onazi-okocha-neymar-lead-tributes-to-messi-after-argentina-retirement/",
  "key_points": [
    "Lionel Messi ends 21-year international career",
    "Former Nigeria captain Austin Okocha praises Messi's talent",
    "FIFA honors Messi's contributions to football"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Tributes from football legends and fans, including Okocha and Neymar, underscore Messi's lasting impact on the sport and his status as a beloved icon beyond his playing career.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Onazi, Okocha, Neymar lead tributes to Messi after Argentina retirement",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/onazi-okocha-neymar-lead-tributes-to-messi-after-argentina-retirement-12531114",
        "published": "2026-10-07T03:18:39.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Barcelona send message to Lionel Messi after emotional final match with Argentina",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/barcelona-send-message-to-lionel-messi-after-emotional-final-match",
        "published": "2026-10-07T06:34:49.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}