{
  "id": 12547297,
  "title": "‘Going to hurt a lot’: Tears flow as Messi makes his final Argentina appearance",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/going-to-hurt-a-lot-tears-flow-as-messi-makes-his-final-argentina",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T04:31:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-globally/messi-cryin-in-bus-as-he-makes-his-final-argentina-appearance-emotional-farewell-video-10910162/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi, the renowned football icon, was seen weeping as he arrived at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium for his final appearance with the Argentina national team. Tens of thousands of fans lined the streets, cheering and waving flags in tribute to the legendary No 10. The 39-year-old player, who has spent 21 years representing Argentina, was traveling in the team bus when the emotional scene unfolded.\n\nIn an emotional post-match statement, Messi expressed his gratitude to the Argentina jersey, saying, \"I have nothing left to do but thank this shirt. For 20 years, even through the worst moments, I never stopped fighting, pushing forward, giving everything I had, and wanting to be here.\" He lamented that leaving the national team would \"hurt a lot.\" With 207 caps and 125 goals to his name, Messi made his debut for Argentina in 2005.\n\nHis career was defined by numerous triumphs, including leading Argentina to Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, as well as participating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Messi's journey has been full of unforgettable moments, from leading his team to victory in the 2014 World Cup final to enduring Copa América heartaches. As fans gathered to bid farewell, many praised Messi for his dedication and success, acknowledging that he earned every accolade throughout his illustrious career.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}