{
  "id": 12728087,
  "title": "Messi says already missing playing for Argentina",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/messi-says-already-missing-playing-for-argentina-12728087",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T21:56:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/10/08/messi-says-already-missing-playing-for-argentina"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi, who netted a penalty in a 3-0 victory over Benin in his final match, expressed on Wednesday that he is already missing the Argentina jersey. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who scored the penalty during Tuesday's game in Buenos Aires, had previously called the occasion the saddest day of his career. Messi led Argentina to World Cup triumph four years ago, but his team faced criticism for their aggressive style during their run to the final in July, culminating in a loss to Spain. Yesterday marked his last match, and Messi expressed on social media that he is already missing the light blue and white jersey. However, he maintained that he is making the right decision. Messi holds the record for the most goals (126) for Argentina, surpassing the next closest national team player by a significant margin. With 208 caps, he also holds the record for the most appearances for his country. Additionally, his 70 assists for Argentina set the highest tally ever. Messi described the journey as incredible, filled with joy but also sorrow, while thanking his family and teammates and paying tribute to Argentina's football legend, the late Diego Maradona.",
  "summary": "Lionel Messi wrote on social media that he already missed wearing the light blue and white jersey after calling time on his international career.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Ronaldo hails Messi after Argentina great says he already misses national team",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/ronaldo-hails-messi-after-argentina-great-says-he-already-misses",
        "published": "2026-10-07T19:17:55.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Messi says already missing playing for Argentina",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/messi-says-already-missing-playing-for-argentina",
        "published": "2026-10-07T21:56:43.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Messi says already missing playing for Argentina",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/messi-says-already-missing-playing-for-argentina-12734705",
        "published": "2026-10-07T23:14:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}