{
  "id": 4662008,
  "title": "BREAKING: Lionel Messi retires from international football, gives reasons",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/breaking-lionel-messi-retires-from-international-football-gives",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T15:35:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/31/lionel-messi-retires-from-international-football-gives-reasons/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with Argentina after a remarkable 207 caps. Dubbed as one of the greatest of all time, Messi debuted for Argentina in 2005, and his career has been adorned with several accolades, including winning the World Cup in 2022 and being a runner-up in 2026 and 2014. Two Copa América titles also adorn his collection.\n\nIn a statement, Messi admitted that his decision to retire was deeply painful. However, he expressed understanding that the time had come for him to step back. He reiterated his commitment to the national team, stating that he had always fought for Argentina, not just in recent years when the team won all its matches, but also in the past.\n\nThe 39-year-old emphasized the transient nature of time and the significance of the chapter that was closing for him. Despite giving his all, Messi declared that he has nothing left to offer. Furthermore, he revealed that his recent struggles, particularly after his father's passing this month, intensified his doubts about continuing his international career.\n\nMessi admitted that his legs couldn't push him beyond his physical limits during Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain in July. Despite his valiant efforts, he couldn't sustain his physical performance. Currently, he plays as a professional for Inter Miami, with his contract extending until 2028.",
  "summary": "Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with Argentina after earning 207 caps. Messi, who debuted for Argentina in 2005, won the World Cup in 2022 and was a runner-up in 2026 and 2014. Additionally, he secured two Copa América titles. In a statement, he said: “It was a decision that hurt – […] BREAKING: Lionel Messi retires from international football, gives reasons",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 8,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Sky News",
        "title": "Lionel Messi retires from international football",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/lionel-messi-retires-from-international-football",
        "published": "2026-08-14T07:21:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "BBC World",
        "title": "Messi retires from international football",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/messi-retires-from-international-football",
        "published": "2026-08-31T15:18:39.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "3News",
        "title": "Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/lionel-messi-announces-retirement-from-international-football",
        "published": "2026-08-31T15:19:42.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Messi retires from international football",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/messi-retires-from-international-football-4664147",
        "published": "2026-08-31T15:22:30.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "Messi retires from international football",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/messi-retires-from-international-football-4663114",
        "published": "2026-08-31T15:33:03.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Lionel Messi retires from international football",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/lionel-messi-retires-from-international-football",
        "published": "2026-08-31T15:40:34.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Lionel Messi says retiring from international football",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/lionel-messi-says-retiring-from-international-football",
        "published": "2026-08-31T15:52:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}