{
  "id": 12755454,
  "title": "Ronaldo hails Messi after Argentina great says he already misses national team",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/ronaldo-hails-messi-after-argentina-great-says-he-already-misses",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-08T01:28:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/10/1550213/ronaldo-hails-messi-after-argentina-great-says-he-already-misses"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo praised Lionel Messi on Wednesday, following the Argentine's emotional announcement that he had already missed representing his country after his international retirement. Messi, 39, showcased his skills one last time for Argentina in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin on Tuesday, scoring and setting up two goals before a packed Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. Messi expressed his gratitude for his 21-year international career, acknowledging the joy and sadness it brought, while thanking the clubs that respected his wishes to dedicate himself to the national team when called upon. Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup and Copa America victories, thanked those who supported him throughout his career, particularly recalling Diego Maradona's impact on Argentine football. Ronaldo, 41, responded to Messi's post, praising his achievements and expressing his respect. Ronaldo is currently embroiled in a dispute with Portugal's coach, Jorge Jesus, over his sudden withdrawal from the national team's training camp.",
  "summary": "Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo set aside one of soccer’s great rivalries on Wednesday to pay tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentine said he already missed representing his country following his emotional international retirement.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ronaldo commends Messi after Messi's emotional announcement.",
    "Messi played final match for Argentina on Tuesday, scoring and assisting.",
    "Ronaldo responds to Messi's post, praising his achievements."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Ronaldo's praise for Messi underscores the mutual respect between two of football's greatest players, contrasting with Ronaldo's own tense situation with Portugal's coach and team.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "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."
}