{
  "id": 4673810,
  "title": "Lionel Messi retires: A look back at Argentine legend’s best matches for country",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/lionel-messi-retires-a-look-back-at-argentine-legends-best-matches",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T16:38:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/lionel-messi-retires-internationals-best-matches-for-argentina-10857547/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday, concluding a remarkable 2-decade-long career with Argentina from 2005 to 2026. During this time, the Argentine star clinched a World Cup title, two Copa America championships, an Olympic gold medal in 2008, set 8 Ballon d'Or records, and guided Argentina to the runner-up spot in the 2026 World Cup. He scored 125 goals and provided 68 assists in 207 appearances for his national team.\n\nThe Argentine legend's finest performances include:\n\n1. The 2022 World Cup final against France - Messi etched his name in history by securing his final major trophy in this penalty shootout victory. He scored two goals in the match, including a dramatic extra-time winner, as Argentina emerged triumphant.\n2. The 2021 Copa America quarterfinal against Ecuador - Messi delivered a masterclass in attacking football, providing two assists to Rodrigo de Paul and Lautaro Martinez. He himself scored a stunning free kick in added time to complete a 3-0 victory.\n3. The 2026 World Cup semifinal comeback against England - Facing a one-goal deficit, England's Thomas Tuchel made a costly defensive switch, allowing Messi to orchestrate a stunning equalizer and provide a cross for Lautaro's decisive header. Once again, Messi's leadership shone through.\n4. The 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria - Messi became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick at the age of 37, edging out Cristiano Ronaldo's record. His three goals helped Argentina dominate the match.\n5. Breaking Miroslav Klose's World Cup record - Messi netted a brace against Austria, surpassing Germany's all-time leading scorer and ultimately finishing the tournament with 21 goals.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Lionel Messi says retiring from international football",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/lionel-messi-says-retiring-from-international-football-4665016",
        "published": "2026-08-31T15:37:44.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}