{
  "id": 12965083,
  "title": "Messi already missing playing for Argentina",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/messi-already-missing-playing-for-argentina",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-08T22:00:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/node/1550895"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi, Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer with 126 goals, has declared he is already missing wearing the national team's jersey less than 24 hours after concluding his international career. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scored a penalty during Tuesday's 3-0 victory over Benin, describing the occasion as the \"saddest day of my career.\" Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup triumph four years ago, acknowledged the team's aggressive style of play during their run to the final, which faced criticism when they lost to Spain. While Messi believes he is making the right decision, he expressed his regret about saying goodbye to the light blue and white jersey. He remains Argentina's record goalscorer, boasting 208 caps and 70 assists, the best ever for his country. Messi thanked his family, teammates, and paid tribute to football legend Diego Maradona, calling it an \"incredible journey\" filled with joy and sorrow.",
  "summary": "Your browser does not support the audio element.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Argentina Reports",
        "title": "Messi’s goodbye to Argentina’s national team brings Falklands/Malvinas dispute back into focus",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/messis-goodbye-to-argentinas-national-team-brings-falklands-malvinas",
        "published": "2026-10-08T16:07:35.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Ballon d’Or 2026: Messi in top three favourites to win award after Argentina retirement",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/ballon-dor-2026-messi-in-top-three-favourites-to-win-award-after",
        "published": "2026-10-08T21:32:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}