{
  "id": 12534814,
  "title": "Lionel Messi’s cold reaction to Benin player forcing a selfie after Argentina retirement",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/lionel-messis-cold-reaction-to-benin-player-forcing-a-selfie-after",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T03:13:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lionel-messi-cold-reaction-benin-031319700.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi's retirement from the Argentine national team was marred by an overzealous Benin player attempting to take a selfie with the 39-year-old legend. Messi, who contributed two assists and a goal in Argentina's 3-0 win over Benin, was visibly annoyed by the persistent request. After the game, Messi attempted to bid farewell to the players, but one player from Benin persisted in his pursuit of a selfie. The Benin team's Amiro Amadou stepped in to intervene, asking the player to cease his efforts and allow Messi to cherish his final moments on the pitch. While the Benin players had shown their appreciation earlier in the game, including a standing ovation during a 10-minute pause, their relentless pursuit of a selfie after such an emotional game may have been ill-timed. Despite some criticism for Messi's apparent lack of humility, many fans understood that the moment held immense significance for the retired player, especially considering the recent loss of his father.",
  "summary": "Lionel Messi’s retirement moment with the Argentine national team was interrupted by an insistent Benin player who wanted a selfie with the 39-year-old. Messi registered two assists and a goal for Argentina in a 3-0 win over Benin in his final game for the Albiceleste after a 21-year tenure with the national team.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Lionel Messi’s Kids: All you need to know about the Argentine legend’s three children",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/lionel-messis-kids-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-argentine-legends",
        "published": "2026-10-06T22:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Lionel Messi scores one goal, assists two in final game for Argentina",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/lionel-messi-scores-one-goal-assists-two-in-final-game-for-argentina",
        "published": "2026-10-07T01:28:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}