{
  "id": 12573196,
  "title": "Messi ends Argentina career with goal, 2 assists in tear-filled farewell",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/messi-ends-argentina-career-with-goal-2-assists-in-tear-filled",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T07:30:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/10/1549712/messi-ends-argentina-career-goal-2-assists-tear-filled-farewell"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Buenos Aires: Argentine soccer legend Lionel Messi concluded his international career, scoring all three goals in his final match for the national team against Benin in a 3-0 exhibition victory at Estadio Monumental. The packed stadium chanted his name throughout the 208th match he played for Argentina. Messi assisted on Nicolas Otamendi's goal in the 48th minute, passed to Nico Paz for the second goal, and netted his 126th career goal for Argentina via a penalty kick in the 70th minute. Despite his desire to continue playing for Argentina, Messi announced in August that he was retiring from international football due to the loss of his father. Messi, who has played in six World Cups, including the 2022 final loss to Spain, thanked fans, teammates, and his late father before acknowledging the bittersweet nature of his farewell.",
  "summary": "BEUNOS AIRES: Global soccer superstar Lionel Messi met the moment, contributing to all three goals in his final appearance for Argentina’s national team, a 3-0 exhibition victory over Benin on Tuesday in Buenos Aires.",
  "key_points": [
    "Messi ends Argentina career with 3-goal, 2-assist performance",
    "Scores all three goals in 208th and final match for national team",
    "Retires due to loss of father, played in 6 World Cups"
  ],
  "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."
}