{
  "id": 4757683,
  "title": "Messi Calls Time on His Illustrious Argentina Career",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/messi-calls-time-on-his-illustrious-argentina-career",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-01T01:19:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/09/01/messi-calls-time-on-his-illustrious-argentina-career/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi, widely regarded as football's greatest player, has announced his retirement from Argentina's national team following a distinguished 19-year career. Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022, scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for his country. In a statement on social media, Messi, who is the all-time leading scorer and most-capped player for Argentina, said there was nothing more for him to prove in international football. He expressed deep emotion over the decision, stating that he has given everything to the national side but has nothing left to give. Messi cited the passing of his father, Jorge, as a significant factor in his decision. Messi's club career continues with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where his contract extends through 2028.",
  "summary": "Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report Twenty-one years after Lionel Messi best John Mikel Obi and Taye Taiwo to win the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards at the 2005 FIFA World",
  "key_points": [
    "Lionel Messi retires from Argentina national team after 19-year career",
    "Messi scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina",
    "Decision influenced by father Jorge's passing"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Messi's retirement marks a new era for Argentine football, ending an era in which he drove the team's successes and now leaves others to step forward in his absence.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}