{
  "id": 12535555,
  "title": "Messi bows out with goal, two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/messi-bows-out-with-goal-two-assists-as-argentina-beat-benin-3-0",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T03:44:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/messi-bows-out-with-goal-two-assists-as-argentina-beat-benin-3-0/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi concluded his Argentina international career with a goal and two assists, as the world champions triumphed over Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. The match, taking place on October 6, 2026, marked Messi's final appearance for Argentina following a 21-year international career. Inter Miami reported that Messi provided the assist for Nicolás Otamendi's opening goal, and he also set up Nico Paz for the second goal in the 61st minute. Messi then successfully converted a penalty to secure the 3-0 victory. The club described it as Messi's \"final international appearance\" and highlighted that he finished the night with \"a goal and a pair of assists.\"",
  "summary": "Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career with a goal and two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in his farewell match in Buenos Aires. Read More: https://punchng.com/messi-bows-out-with-goal-two-assists-as-argentina-beat-benin-3-0/",
  "key_points": [
    "Messi scored a goal and provided two assists in Argentina's 3-0 win over Benin.",
    "Final match for Argentina following 21-year international career.",
    "Messi's assist led to Nicolás Otamendi's opening goal."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Lionel Messi ends his 21-year international career on a high note, leaving Argentina with a changed team dynamic and his legacy as a champion.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Messi bows out with goal, two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/messi-bows-out-with-goal-two-assists-as-argentina-beat-benin-3-0-12537598",
        "published": "2026-10-07T03:56:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}