{
  "id": 12531218,
  "title": "Messi says Argentina retirement is 'saddest day of my career'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/messi-says-argentina-retirement-is-saddest-day-of-my-career",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T03:08:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/10/1549530/messi-says-argentina-retirement-saddest-day-my-career"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi expressed Tuesday that retiring from Argentina's national football team marked the most sorrowful day of his career following their 3-0 loss to Benin. The 21-year veteran, who scored a goal and provided two assists in the match, paid tribute to fans and teammates while acknowledging the emotional impact of his farewell. \"It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for over 20 years,\" Messi stated. Despite his desire to continue playing, Messi believed the demands of Argentina's World Cup campaign, culminating in a final loss to Spain, had reached a breaking point. \"The emotional rollercoaster of that tournament, including a 2-1 defeat to England in the semi-finals, took its toll,\" he admitted. Messi emphasized that although his desire to stay in the game is strong, he felt the time was right to say goodbye. \"We were very close to fulfilling our dream of winning the World Cup again,\" he reflected.",
  "summary": "BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi described his retirement from international football as the “saddest day of my career” on Tuesday after playing his final game for Argentina in a 3-0 defeat of Benin.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lionel Messi announced Argentina retirement following 3-0 loss to Benin.",
    "Veteran expressed sadness as the saddest day of his career.",
    "Emotional toll from World Cup campaign and semi-final defeat to England."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Lionel Messi's Argentina retirement marks a personal end to an era, closing a 20-year chapter that was defined by pride, strong emotions, and unfulfilled championship ambitions.",
  "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."
}