{
  "id": 5484399,
  "title": "Messi's epic journey with Argentina comes to an end – and what a ride it was",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/messis-epic-journey-with-argentina-comes-to-an-end-and-what-a-ride-it",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-04T03:35:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Buenos Aires Times",
    "slug": "buenos-aires-times",
    "url": "https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/sports/messis-epic-journey-with-argentina-comes-to-an-end-and-what-a-ride-it-was.phtml"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "This week has been a whirlwind for Argentine sports. The news of Eduardo 'Chacho' Coudet's departure from River after a long tenure was first to hit, followed by Argentina's hockey team securing their first World Cup title since 2010. Meanwhile, Mariano Navone ended Novak Djokovic's streak of 20 years without a Grand Slam first-round loss at the US Open. However, none of these stories could compare to the momentous event that unfolded with Lionel Messi's retirement from international football.\n\nMessi, the greatest football player ever, announced his retirement in a handwritten note, revealing how the end of his international career is deeply painful. His decision came after a heartbreaking World Cup and the passing of his father, Jorge. Despite the heavy burden of carrying Argentina's frustrations for over two decades, Messi remains a beacon of talent and resilience. His impressive career includes 207 appearances and 125 goals for the Selección, a record surpassed only by Cristiano Ronaldo in world football.\n\nThe Argentine football team's success story is one of determination and redemption. Messi carried the burden of carrying Argentina's hopes on his shoulders for years, never quite meeting expectations. But in 2021, he led a rejuvenated team to victory in the World Cup, and in 2022, he etched his name in history by defeating France in the Lusail stadium. Through the US Open, where he fought through pain alongside his ailing father, Messi showed the world his sheer determination and love for the game.\n\nDespite the heartbreak of Argentina's lackluster performance in the recent World Cup, Messi's final effort was nothing short of superhuman. Playing under the most challenging circumstances, he never failed to enchant football fans with his performances, often weeping after every goal. As Argentina mourns the loss of their beloved legend, it is irrefutable that Messi leaves behind a legacy that will forever be remembered in the annals of Argentine sport, as the greatest of all time in his field.",
  "summary": "It’s testament to everything Messi achieved with Argentina that even after two decades of dominance, he still leaves us wanting more. Leer más",
  "key_points": [
    "Messi retires from international football after 207 appearances and 125 goals.",
    "Argentina mourns loss of their football legend at 40.",
    "Messi led team to World Cup victory in 2021 and defeated France in 2022."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Lionel Messi's retirement from international football cements his legacy as Argentina's greatest footballer, marking the end of an era in which he carried the country's hopes and frustrations for over two decades.",
  "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."
}