{
  "id": 12588202,
  "title": "Messi bids farewell to Argentina with a goal, assists, and a celebratory atmosphere",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/messi-bids-farewell-to-argentina-with-a-goal-assists-and-a",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T08:50:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/messi-bids-farewell-argentina-goal-085000961.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi concluded his illustrious career with the Argentina national team in a memorable fashion. The star player made his final appearance for his country in a match against Benin, leaving a lasting impression on fans and teammates alike. In a ceremony that echoed the legacy of a true legend, Messi scored a goal, delivered two assists and was met with a celebratory atmosphere worthy of his status. As he captained the team's farewell match at the Monumental Stadium, Messi's emotional journey was a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport.\n\nInitially, the game remained goalless until halftime. However, the South American side shifted their strategy in the second half, pushing higher up the pitch in an attempt to break the deadlock. This change in tactics proved effective as Nicolás Otamendi, himself in a farewell mood, converted Messi's pass from a corner into a goal, marking the opening score. Just 61 minutes into the match, Messi showcased his decisive skills once more, finding Nico Paz in a promising position and the Como player expertly curled the ball home. Ten minutes later, Messi sealed his final international match in style by stepping up to the penalty spot and scoring a decisive goal.\n\nBy the end of the match, Messi's performances had not only demonstrated his exceptional skills but had also filled the stadium with a palpable sense of emotion and respect for the Argentine legend. His career record now stands at an impressive 126 goals in 208 matches, accompanied by a World Cup triumph, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time.",
  "summary": "Lionel Messi officially said goodbye to the Argentina national team in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with a dazzling display. In his final outing in the albiceleste colours, against Benin, the...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Full text of Messi’s farewell speech as he retires from Argentina",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/full-text-of-messis-farewell-speech-as-he-retires-from-argentina",
        "published": "2026-10-07T06:13:17.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}