{
  "id": 12543207,
  "title": "Lionel Messi Seemingly Annoyed As Benin Player Tries To Take Selfie With Argentina Legend After Emotional Farewell | Video",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/lionel-messi-seemingly-annoyed-as-benin-player-tries-to-take-selfie",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T03:45:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/lionel-messi-seemingly-annoyed-as-benin-player-tries-to-take-selfie-with-argentina-legend-after-emotional-farewell-video"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "After Argentina's 3-0 victory over Benin in a highly emotional farewell match, Lionel Messi faced a peculiar situation. As the final whistle blew, signaling the conclusion of the 21-year-old international career for the legendary forward, a Benin player attempted to capture a selfie with Messi. The moment, quickly observed by fans on social media, seemed to irk Messi, who appeared slightly annoyed or uncomfortable. This brief and awkward exchange followed a deeply emotional ceremony honoring Messi, with the stadium falling silent for a tribute and fans chanting his name. Messi, who scored from the penalty spot and provided two assists in the match, expressed his difficulty in deciding to retire, stating his desire to continue playing for Argentina as long as he could. Despite the unusual incident, Messi's farewell was marked by tributes, tears, and celebrations, cementing his status as one of football's greatest-ever players.",
  "summary": "Lionel Messi's emotional farewell to Argentina was followed by a rather awkward moment after the final whistle, as a Benin player appeared to try to take a selfie with the legendary forward. Argentina had just completed a 3-0 victory over Benin at the Estadio Monumental, bringing Messi's 21-year international career to an end. As players gathered around the Argentine captain to congratulate him,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Forbes",
        "title": "Billionaire Soccer Legend Lionel Messi Plays Final Game For Argentina—See Photos",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/billionaire-soccer-legend-lionel-messi-plays-final-game-for-argentina-12570411",
        "published": "2026-10-07T06:42:35.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Billionaire Soccer Legend Lionel Messi Plays Final Game For Argentina—See Photos",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/billionaire-soccer-legend-lionel-messi-plays-final-game-for-argentina",
        "published": "2026-10-07T06:42:35.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}